Which mammal is the only marsupial native to the United States and Canada?

The only marsupial native to both the United States and Canada is the Virginia opossum. Its scientific name is Didelphis virginiana, and it is also commonly called the North American opossum.

The Virginia opossum ranges from southern Canada through much of the United States and into Central America, making it the world’s northernmost marsupial. It expanded northward as forests were cleared and human settlements created new sources of food and shelter. Its range is still influenced by winter severity and human activity.

Despite its name, the species is not restricted to Virginia. It is a nocturnal, largely solitary opportunist that eats insects, fruit, small animals, carrion, and discarded human food. When threatened, it may enter a temporary immobile state—giving rise to the expression “playing possum.”

A frequent confusion involves Australian possums, such as the common brushtail possum. They are different marsupials from a different evolutionary group. The Virginia opossum is the only opossum species naturally established in the United States and Canada.