The Augusta Staunton Health Department says in the past few weeks they've seen several people exposed to rabies after coming into contact with a wild animal. Dr. Doug Larsen says it's more common than most people think.

"It's a constant problem; there’s no reason to suspect that any animal in the wild couldn't have been exposed to it, so basically any animal that’s behaving in an abnormal fashion is rabies until proven otherwise."

Dr. Larsen says most people contract rabies after their household pet has been bit by a wild animal. Vaccinating your pet can give you more protection.

"Vaccinating their own pets, dogs, cats and even ferrets and even farmers who have expensive livestock-horses and expensive cattle; there are vaccines for them."

While most people don't die from rabies the treatment can be painful and costly. Post-bite vaccination shots can run as much as $3,000. So medical experts say protecting yourself is important.

"The number one protection is never, ever, never touch a wild animal ever. Don't try to feed it, don't try to capture it, even if it's injured, don't go to its aid; you're just inviting trouble."