Another variation on the theme of physical or mental depression in animals discussed in this podcast is the fear-freeze response. In its most energy-efficient form, the animal goes into a trance-like state during which the animal is literally oblivious to what’s going on. Not only don’t these animals move, mentally they aren’t there. When exhausted fighting game cocks go into this state, so complete is their withdrawal that they may be presumed dead and tossed in a pile with the other dead animals, only to emerge later. Multiple species of animals, including hummingbirds, assume a state called torpor that enables the animal to survive harsh conditions lasting less than a day to months or longer. A third variation of this occurs when animals “play dead” to escape predators. Two common examples of this are the opossum and hognose snake.
Like seeking out some secluded location, curling up in a ball and not eating, drinking, or moving to enhance healing from injury or infection, these mental time-outs enable the animal to heal from mental and emotional trauma and avoid death. But in all cases, balance remains the key to success.
Here’s more information about neurologist Oliver Sack’s book, A Leg to Stand On, mentioned in the podcast for those interested.
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