By Sakshi Sah
Published Oct 20, 2024

Hindustan Times
Trending

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5 animals that play dead: Nature’s best survival tricksters

In the animal kingdom, some animals use a smart trick to stay safe: they pretend to be dead.

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Playing dead can confuse predators, making them think the animal is no longer a threat or is not worth eating.

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One famous example is the opossum. When threatened, it can fall over and pretend to be dead for several hours.

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Another animal that plays dead is the hognose snake. It will flip over and show its belly, pretending to be sick or dead.

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Certain types of toads also use this trick. When they feel in danger, they go limp and lie still to avoid being eaten.

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The pufferfish is known for its ability to inflate and then play dead when threatened. This makes it look bigger and less appealing to predators.

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Some species of beetles, like the darkling beetle, can play dead by rolling onto their backs and staying motionless until danger passes.

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These survival tactics help animals stay safe from predators and increase their chances of survival in the wild.

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Playing dead is not just about acting. Many animals have special instincts that trigger this behaviour in dangerous situations.

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This survival trick reminds us how creative nature can be when it comes to protecting life.

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