North American possums are not very docile, and when faced with serious harm, they will be extremely resistant, including roaring and claws. However, North American possums generally do not bite, and when faced with danger, North American possums will pretend to be dead. The North American possum's feign-death response is involuntary and kicks in after extreme panic.

This act of feigning death can not only avoid being caught by predators, but also make Other animals think they are dead and will not harm their children. North American possums are omnivorous, eating a variety of plants and animals. If injured and healthy possums are placed next to each other, there is a chance that they will fight each other.