1. North American Porcupine
The North American porcupine, also known as the common porcupine, is a rodent that is closely related to the opossum. Like opossums, porcupines are herbivores and are known for their slow and deliberate movements. They also have a similar defense mechanism, using their quills as a means of protection from predators. Porcupines are found in North America, typically in wooded areas, and are known for their large, sharp quills that cover their bodies.
2. Virginia Opossum
The Virginia opossum, also known as the North American opossum, is the most common opossum species found in the United States. They are typically found in wooded areas, but can also be found in urban areas. They are known for their ability to “play dead” when threatened, a defense mechanism known as “playing possum.” They are omnivores and will eat a variety of different foods, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals.
3. Nine-Banded Armadillo
The Nine-banded armadillo, also known as the common armadillo, is an animal that is closely related to opossums. They are found in the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America. They are known for their hard, protective shells that cover their bodies, similar to the quills of a porcupine. Armadillos are also known for their slow and deliberate movements, and are primarily insectivores.
4. American Marten
The American marten, also known as the pine marten, is a small mammal that is closely related to the opossum. They are found in the northern United States and Canada, typically in wooded areas. They are known for their sharp teeth and claws, which they use to catch small animals for food. They are also known for their thick fur, which helps to keep them warm in cold temperatures.
5. Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
The Eastern cottontail rabbit, also known as the eastern rabbit, is a small mammal that is closely related to opossums. They are found in the eastern United States and Canada, typically in wooded areas. They are known for their soft, fluffy fur and long ears. They are also known for their fast movements and their ability to jump long distances. They are herbivores and primarily eat plants, such as grasses, clover, and dandelions.
6. North American Raccoon
The North American raccoon, also known as the common raccoon, is a mammal that is closely related to opossums. They are found in North America, typically in wooded areas near water. They are known for their distinctive black and white mask-like markings on their faces, as well as their ringed tails. They are omnivores and will eat a variety of different foods, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals.
7. North American Skunk
The North American skunk, also known as the common skunk, is a mammal that is closely related to opossums. They are found in North America, typically in wooded areas. They are known for their black and white fur, as well as their distinctive, strong odor. They use this odor as a defense mechanism to ward off predators.
8. North American Beaver
The North American beaver is a rodent that is closely related to the opossum. They are found in North America, typically near bodies of water such as rivers and streams. They are known for their large, flat tails and their ability to build dams and lodges using branches and mud. They are herbivores and primarily eat the bark and leaves of trees such as willow, aspen, and cottonwood.
9. North American Woodchuck
The North American woodchuck, also known as the groundhog, is a rodent that is closely related to the opossum. They are found in North America, typically in wooded areas and grasslands. They are known for their burrowing habits and their ability to hibernate during the winter months. They are herbivores and primarily eat plants such as clover, dandelions, and grasses.
10. North American Muskrat
The North American muskrat is a rodent that is closely related to the opossum. They are found in North America, typically near bodies of water such as rivers and streams. They are known for their ability to swim and their dense, waterproof fur. They are herbivores and primarily eat aquatic plants such as cattails and bulrushes.