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What Animal Has a Poisonous Armpit?

Published in Animal Behavior 1 min read

The opossum is the animal known for having a poisonous armpit.

While not technically an armpit, the opossum has scent glands located on its shoulders that produce a foul-smelling, sticky, and toxic substance.

This substance, called "opossum musk", is used as a defense mechanism against predators. When threatened, the opossum will often "play dead", but if that doesn't work, it will rear up on its hind legs, exposing these glands and releasing the musk.

The musk is highly effective at deterring predators due to its unpleasant odor and toxic nature. It can cause skin irritation and eye irritation in animals that come into contact with it.

While the opossum's "poisonous armpit" is a potent defense mechanism, it's important to remember that opossums are generally harmless animals and pose no threat to humans.

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