Which wildlife species is often a primary rabies vector in urban areas?

Raccoons are commonly recognized as a primary vector for rabies in urban areas. Their adaptability to urban environments, coupled with their social behavior, leads to higher instances of interaction with humans and domestic animals, increasing the risk of rabies transmission. Raccoons often congregate in human habitats, scavenging for food, which enhances the likelihood of disease spread, particularly rabies.

Bats, while they are a significant reservoir for rabies, are less often encountered in urban settings compared to raccoons. Feral cats can carry rabies, but they do not act as the primary vector in urban environments in the same way that raccoons do. Foxes, while they can also be rabies carriers, are less common in densely populated urban areas compared to raccoons. Therefore, raccoons stand out as the leading wildlife species contributing to rabies transmission in urban contexts.