BATH — A fox that attacked a 67-year-old Bath man earlier this week has tested positive for rabies, reports The Times Record.

The fox was killed after Monday’s attack and taken to be tested by state officials. The state confirmed Wednesday that the fox had rabies.

Police Chief Mike Field tells The Times Record the man who was bitten several times on the hand while working in his barn is receiving medical treatment.

Field cautioned residents to call police if they see wild animals behaving unusually.

Dr. Sheila Pinette, director of the Maine Centers for Disease Control, said a mild winter is likely contributing to a spike in confirmed cases of rabies in Maine this year.