Can opossums really play dead?

Incredible footage proving that Opossum's really can play dead as a natural defence mechanism.

The video, filmed in Illinois, USA on October 27, shows the animal playing dead in the uploader's garden, before waking from its fake slumber and wandering off.

"After my German Shepherd brought an opossum into my yard and it disappeared mysteriously the first time, I decided to record the second occurrence with my GoPro camera.

"It was very interesting to watch my German Shepherd's reaction to the 'lifeless' opossum."

"This defense mechanism HAS to be the bravest of all defense mechanisms," he continued.

"To trust your autonomic nervous system enough to seem completely lifeless in order to save your life."