198K views · 29K reactions | Richard is an awesome opossum Ever heard the phrase, "playing possum?" For an opossum, this is a catatonic defense mechanism in the face of danger. It is completely involuntary and makes them appear sick or dead. It's more like fainting from fear than pulling a prank on a potential predator. You won't be seeing Richard in a haunted house anytime soon. | San Diego Zoo | Facebook