Which vertebrate is commonly controlled by live trapping?

Live trapping is often employed as a method for controlling certain vertebrate populations, particularly those that can cause problems in urban and rural environments. Raccoons are a common target for this method due to their adaptability, intelligence, and tendency to raid garbage, bird feeders, and gardens.

Using live traps for raccoons is effective because these traps allow for the capture of the animal without harm, enabling the possibility of relocation or further management without injury to the animal or risk to humans. The guidelines for trapping raccoons often include considerations such as local regulations, humane treatment, and the ecological impact of relocation.

In contrast, while Norway rats and rabbits can also be trapped, the specific question targets the vertebrate that is most frequently controlled in this manner within the given context of vector control practices. Deer are generally not controlled using live traps due to their size and the logistics involved in their management. Therefore, raccoons stand out as the most relevant example for live trapping techniques due to the nature of their interactions with human environments and the effectiveness of this trapping method.