be found in nearly every state. Sometimes they succeed in living 

 in almost complete anonymity close to big towns. 



Around the turn of the century the possum was considered 

 pretty much a Southern animal. Down in Dixie it had been 

 hunted for generations with any breed of hound that could make 

 music in the night, and still is. But gradually it extended its 

 range, particularly northward. Recently possums have turned 

 up in southern Ontario. 



This northward migration has led to certain discomforts. The 

 animals are not true hibernators, and only remain in their dens 

 for a few weeks at a time in bitter weather. In Northern states 

 the merest hint of a let-up may bring them out, with frostbitten 

 ears and tails as the price. Twice of an early morning near my 

 home in Connecticut I have seen possums with badly split ears, 

 the reward of chilly night work. 



The expression "playing possum" meaning to feign injury 

 or death has been around so long that many are unaware of its 

 origin. But every possum knows about it and, if forced to, will 

 play the game to the hilt. 



I remember the time a friend and I came upon a possum 

 cornered by a farm dog. The possum was backed against a split- 

 rail fence, flashing an ugly mouthful of teeth at the dog. Appar- 

 ently our presence was just too much, for suddenly the animal 

 fell on its side as if dead. I picked it up. The critter was as limp 

 as a widow's veil. Shaking it produced no reaction at all. 



When I put the possum down its mouth came open and its 

 tongue lolled on the dirt. Death seemed absolute. And the dog 

 showed no interest in the "carcass" now. 



We withdrew a few yards and Howie threw a stick for the dog. 

 A moment later the possum got up and slipped under the fence. 



This was an average performance, solid and convincing. 

 There is some medical evidence that the death scene may be a 

 genuine faint brought on by fright. But what about the fortui- 

 tous escape? This is always so deft a part of the routine that I 

 prefer to believe it is the act of a master showman. Since the 

 Model T possum gives free rides, why not a free show once in a 

 while? 



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