As the warmer weather takes hold, outdoor activity will be increasing for humans and, as a result, there is great potential for contact between animals and humans.

Doctor David Torr, Saskatchewan Health Authority Medical Health Officer and Area Department Lead, Public Health and Preventative Medicine, says, that, on average, they see at least one or two bite cases a day at this time of the year.

"For the most part, we do get a lot of dog bites, not only adults but mostly children. Now keep in mind also, we're going through a COVID pandemic, so there's been a lot of people sort of shut off and not as much interaction. So, for the animals the same kind of thing."

People that encounter animals in the wild should always respect the fact that they maybe protective and aggressive if they feel startled or threatened. Make your presence known, and keep your distance from animals with young, animals interacting with their prey or eating, or any animal acting strangely.

Doctor Torr says that diseases that can be transmitted from wild or domestic animals to humans through bites or scratches include Ringworm, Salmonella, Giardia, Cat Scratch Disease, bacterial infection and Rabies.

He adds that, in the event of an animal bite, wash and clean the area thoroughly and seek medical attention right away.