Used to watch our dogs go after an opossum. A domestic dog, typically, will attempt to break the neck of it's smaller prey, by thrashing them about or tossing them into the air, catching them, and giving them a good shaking.

This doan' work for no possum. Dey gots dem short 'n stocky necks.

However, you'd seem them "play possum" and try to get the dogs to believe them dead. After the dogs had had their fun, and believing it to be dead, they'd move on. I learned to grab on of the farm's .22 rimfires and get there after the dogs had finished their playtime.

When the opossum felt safe and would attempt to get up and move on ..... they were met with something that made "playing possum" the real deal.

A good time was had by all.

How in the hayull did an opossum make it inside your house?