The Cypress Health Region is advising the public to be cautious around wild animals as two times the number of animals have been testing positive for rabies in the province then throughout all of 2014 and 2013.

Dr. David Torr, Consulting Medical Health Officer for Cypress Health, says it is hard to determine the reasoning behind the increase however the weather may be a factor.

"We do know one thing is that we do see waves and cycles where some years we have more activity and then other years less activity. At the same time keeping in mind that we had a relatively milder winter and it could easily be that many of these animals  have come out much earlier and more of them around and moving around to."

Rabies is a viral infection that effects the brain and is spread through contact with animals or a person that has the disease. Rabies are typically found in bats and skunks.

Dr. Torr says the bottom line is that people should avoid encounters with wild animals as they may easily attack in their own defense.

In addition, Dr. Torr adds that the disease can be transferred from wild animals to others such as cats, dogs, and sheep and details what one should look for in a rabid animal.

"It is very hard to tell. Many times a rabid animal will look confused or act confused, may act aggressive, may be very weak or may be scruffy looking. The bottom line is  if you encounter any animal, especially a wild animal don't go trying to catch it or tease it or trap it. It will easily attack you in its own defense."

Pet owners are reminded to keep their own animals rabies vaccinations up to date and to have them checked if they begin acting oddly.

Anyone who receives any animal bite is encouraged to seek medical attention as soon as possible as they can carry infections and depending on how severe the bite is it can also cause tissue damage.

Another local animal that the public should be on the look out for is the prairie rattlesnakes which can be found in the Grasslands Provincial Park. Although the snakes are not normally aggressive, in defense they will bite and if bitten you should seek medical assistance immediately.