Management of animals that may live under houses and pose a rabies risk often involves which approach?

• A. Exclusion and/or live trapping
• B. Chemical deterrents only
• C. Shooting from a distance
• D. Destruction by poisoning

Answer: (A)

Managing animals that may be living under a house and could pose a rabies risk is best done by preventing access and removing the animals humanely. Exclusion means sealing all possible entry points so these animals cannot get back inside. If animals are already present, live trapping allows capture and humane removal or relocation in accordance with state regulations. This approach directly tackles both the shelter condition and the animal itself, reducing rabies risk by keeping wildlife from denning near living spaces and ensuring they’re removed safely.

Other methods don’t address the situation as effectively. Chemical deterrents alone don’t remove occupants or fix entry points; poisoning can harm non-target animals and people and is often ineffective or illegal in such settings; shooting from a distance is dangerous, generally impractical in and around homes, and does not resolve ongoing access.