Which of the following animals must be dispatched if captured?

Dispatching rabies vector species is necessary because these animals are known carriers of the rabies virus, which poses a significant health risk to humans and domestic animals. If captured, these species, which include raccoons, bats, and skunks, need to be euthanized in order to prevent the potential spread of rabies and to ensure public safety. This is a critical aspect of wildlife management, as rabies can lead to serious health complications, making it vital to control populations of these carriers effectively.

The other animals listed, such as squirrels and groundhogs, typically do not pose the same level of health risk associated with rabies, and thus, they do not have the same requirement for dispatching upon capture. Wildlife control laws are designed to focus on the most significant hazards to public health, which is why rabies vector species are treated differently in terms of management and control practices.