Which of the following species is typically considered potentially dangerous to rehabilitators?

Raccoons are often considered potentially dangerous to rehabilitators due to several factors. First, they are known carriers of diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm, which can pose significant health risks to humans. When rehabilitators handle raccoons, they may be at risk of bites or scratches, which can lead to the transmission of these diseases.

Additionally, raccoons are known for their strength and dexterity, allowing them to escape from confinement easily or cause injury when frightened or in pain. Their natural defensive behaviors can make them unpredictable during handling, increasing the risk of harm to both the animal and the rehabilitator. Therefore, while other species may have their challenges, raccoons stand out in terms of the potential danger they pose.

In contrast, animals such as squirrels, deer, and songbirds may have their own rehabilitation challenges but typically do not present the same level of immediate danger to rehabilitators as raccoons do.