Animals That Fake Their Deaths
By Radiocity Team
Published Jul 03, 2025
Opossum
The classic “playing dead” expert. When threatened, it collapses, drools, and emits a foul smell—fooling predators into thinking it`s already dead.
Eastern Hognose Snake
If bluffing doesn’t work, this snake flips onto its back, sticks out its tongue, and pretends to be lifeless until danger passes.
Fainting Goat
Not truly playing dead, but when scared, its muscles stiffen and it collapses like it`s been frozen—appearing momentarily lifeless.
Virginia Beetle (Darkling Beetle)
When disturbed, it flips over and stays motionless for minutes, faking death to avoid predators like lizards and birds.
Mallard Duck (During Mating Attacks)
Females sometimes fake death to avoid unwanted male advances—a clever tactic to escape dangerous situations.
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Redback Spider (Male)
In a dramatic twist, male redbacks pretend to be dead during mating to avoid being eaten by the female—sometimes it works.
Texas Horned Lizard
This lizard uses a last-resort tactic of lying still and pretending to be dead when overwhelmed by predators or threats.
Creatures That Skip Drinking
