Outdoors: The time playing possum fooled my dog ... and my wife

Some years ago during fall, my wife let my dog Lady out in the yard to go potty.

It was a foggy morning, and the dog didn’t come back like she usually did, so the wife went out to check on her. Finally my wife went out in the backyard and found the dog standing over a critter. Upon close examination, she could clearly see that it was an opossum. She figured the dog had killed it, leashed the canine up and led her back into the house.

After I got home, my wife said you need to go out in the backyard and get rid of that opossum carcass, as Lady killed it and I don’t want her rolling in it. When I couldn’t find any sign of the opossum, I figured out what had happened. The critter had played dead and really fooled my dog and my wife.

That behavior the opossum exhibited is called thanatopsis. It is used as a reaction to danger. An animal falls over, its body stiffens, and the breathing and heart rate slows way down. It fools many predators in this manner in hopes to discourage any that eat fresh prey.

Some snakes incorporate similar acts, as do some fish. The snake rolls over and sticks out its tongue. It can also emit a foul odor and regurgitate a meal.

Certain types of fish can do likewise. They will play dead by staying on their side, lying right on the bottom. They also use this as a predatory behavior tactic. If another smaller fish approaches, the playing fish will come to life suddenly and eat the unsuspecting prey.

Other critters using this type of method include the chameleon lizard. It can change body color to blend into its surroundings. It can also use a darker color to increase body heat. This usually happens late in the fall when temperatures start to fall.

Hunting report

Archery deer hunters continue to do well in our Illinois Valley. Most deer have been taken late in the evening by both bow and crossbow hunters. Squirrel hunters also continue to do well.

Many Canada geese have been taken since the season came in. The geese have now become very wary, as they have been shot at frequently in certain areas. By the way, it is unlawful to hunt within 300 years of an inhabited dwelling without first obtaining permission from the owner or tenant.

Fishing report

The seventh fleet has resumed near the mouth of the Fox River. Some white bass and sauger have been taken in fair numbers all week. Water temps have dropped, which has made these fish increase their feeding habits to carry them through the winter.

Watch for deer

Deer have become very active now as the rut is approaching. Also, most farm crops have been harvested, which causes the animals to travel across many roads looking for food.

I just tried a pair of deer whistles. They are suppose to help keep deer away from your vehicle. I haven’t had them on my vehicle very long, so I will report on that in a later column.

• Fred Krause is a Shaw Media correspondent.

Fred Krause

Fred Krause

Fred is an avid outdoorsman who has been writing about his passion for decades.