Which animals are commonly affected by mange?

Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites, and it particularly affects mammals with fur. The animals listed in the correct choice—fox, coyote, gray wolf, and porcupine—are all susceptible to different types of mange, especially sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange.

Sarcoptic mange, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, is particularly notorious among canids, which include foxes, coyotes, and wolves. These animals often live in close proximity to one another, facilitating the spread of the disease through direct contact or shared environments. Porcupines, while not as commonly recognized for mange, are also subject to infestations that can lead to severe skin irritation and hair loss.

The other groups of animals listed are less commonly associated with mange. For example, while deer and similar ungulates may face other health issues, they are not typically affected by mange in the same way that canids are. Moreover, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, and mice have different health challenges and parasites that they contend with, making them less relevant to a discussion focused on mange. Similarly, bats, raccoons, skunks, and otters do not frequently suffer from this condition,