10 Animals That Play Dead to Survive

9. The Dormouse

The dormouse might be small, but when it comes to survival, it’s got a clever trick up its sleeve. When faced with danger, it curls up into a tight little ball and stays perfectly still, looking like nothing more than a lifeless lump. Its small size and neutral coloring help it blend right into its surroundings, making it easy for predators to miss its presence altogether. What makes this trick even more fascinating is how it ties into the dormouse’s natural behavior. Known for their long periods of hibernation, dormice already have a talent for staying motionless for extended periods, making their ability to play dead an extension of their survival toolkit.