Echidnas are monotremes, a unique group of mammals that lay eggs. They are only found in Australia and New Guinea.
While there are some animals in the US that share some characteristics with echidnas, there is no species that is closely related or has the same unique combination of features:
* Spiny appearance: Some animals like porcupines have spines, but they are rodents and not related to echidnas.
* Egg-laying: The only egg-laying animals in the US are birds.
* Beaked snout: While some animals like anteaters have long snouts, they are not related to echidnas and have different feeding methods.
Therefore, there is no animal in the US that is a true equivalent to an echidna.