An omnivorous mammal that is primarily nocturnal and is commonly associated with rabies is which animal?

• A. Racoon
• B. Beaver
• C. Panda
• D. Kangaroo

Answer: (A)

This question hinges on recognizing rabies reservoirs and how a species’ behavior and diet relate to that risk. Raccoons are omnivorous mammals that are primarily active at night, and in North America they are one of the most common wildlife reservoirs for rabies. Their nocturnal habits and opportunistic feeding bring them into frequent contact with people and domestic animals, increasing the potential for bites and virus transmission via saliva. The other animals listed—beaver, panda, and kangaroo—do not fit this combination: beavers are mainly diurnal and herbivorous; pandas are herbivorous and largely diurnal; kangaroos are herbivorous and native to Australia where rabies is not present in the wild. So the raccoon best matches the description and risk factors described.