3/25/97

Living in Texas, we also see a lot of opossums (or 'possums, as we like to call them down here in the south) and armadillos ('dillos) get hit by cars.

After receiving your e-mail, we did some research into the behavior of these interesting creatures. Unlike with squirrels, cats, birds, rabbits, and other social animals; there are some major behavioral differences that may preclude the possibility of hazing involvement:

Possums and 'dillos tend to be loners. It is very rare for anyone to see more than one possum or 'dillo at any given time (offspring not included), which precludes the existence of peer pressure.

Possums and 'dillos are primarily nocturnal, though some 'dillos have been seen in rare instances scurrying around in the middle of the day (body temperature management is believed to be behind the rare daytime activity of 'dillos)

Both animals have diets that are noticeably lacking in hallucinogenic or intoxicating substances.

Nocturnal animals tend to have very poor eyesight in light.

It is our conclusion that possums and dillos are not victims of hazing or ritualized abuse, but rather they are victims of what is commonly known as "the deer caught in the headlights" syndrome; by which nocturnal animals are temporarily blinded by the sudden wash of light in their field of vision, causing disorientation, loss of balance, loss of coordination, and loss of sense of direction.

Until a cure for "the deer caught in the headlights" syndrome is found, possums and dillos (as well as other nocturnal creatures) will continue to be accidentally killed by moving vehicles at night.