1. Marmots
Marmots are large ground squirrels that are closely related to groundhogs. They can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia, and are known for their burrowing habits and hibernation patterns. Marmots typically have short, stocky bodies, short legs, and long, bushy tails. They are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of grasses, flowers, and fruits.
2. Woodchucks
Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, are found throughout the eastern United States and Canada. They are similar in appearance to marmots, with short, stocky bodies, short legs, and long, bushy tails. Like marmots, they are herbivores and hibernate during the winter months. They are known for their ability to climb trees and swim.
3. Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs are small, burrowing rodents that are native to North America. They are closely related to ground squirrels and are often mistaken for them. Prairie dogs are known for their social behavior and their use of a sophisticated system of vocalizations to communicate with each other. They are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of grasses and forbs.
4. Beavers
Beavers are large, semiaquatic rodents that are found throughout North America and Europe. They are known for their ability to build dams and lodges, and are an important part of many wetland ecosystems. Beavers have thick, dark brown fur, webbed hind feet, and large, flat tails. They are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of bark, twigs, and leaves from trees and shrubs.
5. Muskrats
Muskrats are semiaquatic rodents that are found throughout North America and Europe. They are similar in appearance to beavers, with dark brown fur and webbed hind feet. They are smaller than beavers, and their tails are less broad and flattened. Muskrats are known for their ability to construct burrows and lodges in the banks of rivers, streams, and ponds. They are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of plants that grow in or near the water.
6. Voles
Voles are small, burrowing rodents that are found throughout North America and Europe. They are similar in appearance to mice, with short, stocky bodies, short legs, and small, round ears. They are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of grasses and other plants. Voles are known for their ability to tunnel through the ground, and they can cause damage to gardens and lawns.
7. Gophers
Gophers are small, burrowing rodents that are found throughout North America. They are similar in appearance to ground squirrels, with short, stocky bodies, short legs, and small, round ears. They are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of plants, such as roots, tubers, and bulbs. Gophers are known for their ability to tunnel through the ground, and they can cause damage to gardens and lawns.
8. Dormice
Dormice are small, nocturnal rodents that are found throughout Europe and Asia. They are similar in appearance to squirrels, with furry, bushy tails and large, round eyes. They are arboreal and are known for their ability to climb trees and build nests. Dormice are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of fruits, berries, and nuts. They are known for their hibernation patterns, and they spend much of the winter months in a state of torpor, where their body temperature and metabolism slow down.
9. Jerboas
Jerboas are small, desert-dwelling rodents that are found throughout Asia and Africa. They are similar in appearance to ground squirrels, with long legs and tails, and large, round ears. They are known for their jumping ability and can jump up to three feet in one leap. Jerboas are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of plants, such as grasses, seeds, and fruits.
10. Mole-rats
Mole-rats are burrowing rodents that are found throughout Africa. They are similar in appearance to moles, with small eyes and ears, and large, spade-like front paws. They are known for their underground burrowing habits and their ability to dig tunnels. Mole-rats are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of roots, tubers, and bulbs. They are known for their highly social behavior and their colonies can have up to 300 individuals.