Which animals are identified as pests due to their droppings and disease potential?

The selection of starlings and pigeons as the correct answer highlights the significance of these birds in the context of pests. Both species are known for their droppings, which can pose health risks and cause property damage. Pigeon droppings, for example, can transmit diseases such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, which affect humans and animals. Additionally, the accumulation of droppings can lead to structural issues as they can corrode building materials over time, creating health hazards for those who inhabit or work near the droppings.

Starlings also contribute to similar concerns; they are known to gather in large flocks, leading to significant amounts of droppings in public areas and agricultural settings. Their feces can contaminate food sources and contribute to the spread of diseases.

Considering the options, mountain lions and bears, wild horses and burros, and snakes and spotted toads do not have the same level of association with disease transmission via droppings in urban or agricultural contexts as starlings and pigeons do. While these animals may impact their environments, they are less commonly characterized as pests related to droppings and health risks, thus reinforcing why the focus on starlings and pigeons is appropriate