Do wolves ever play dead to survive?

Wolves do not play dead to survive. This behavior, known as thanatosis, is more common in smaller animals like opossums and beetles.

Wolves are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They rely on their strength, agility, and pack instincts for survival, not deception. They are also highly intelligent and understand the risks associated with playing dead, such as being vulnerable to further attack or scavenging.

While playing dead might work for smaller animals against smaller predators, it wouldn't be effective against larger predators like bears or other wolves. In these situations, wolves are more likely to fight back or flee to escape danger.

Therefore, playing dead is not a survival strategy employed by wolves.