As if this wacky spring weather weren't enough to worry about, we give you another. Animal control officiers report a dramatic increase in animal bites this time of year. In West Valley City, reported bites are already up 300 per cent from the winter months. News Specialist Richard Piatt shows you how to protect yourself.

Even on a dreary day, people are out with their dogs. And of course every owner knows their pets wouldn't hurt anyone.

Wendy St. James/Dog owner: "THEY'RE CARTOON CHARACTERS, THEY'RE NOT REAL DOGS!"

You wouldn't feel bad about encountering these pets on the park path. But then you might not be afraid of any of these, either.

"THESE DOGS HAVE BITTEN AND THAT'S WHY THEY'RE BEING HELD ON A TEN DAY QUARANTINE PERIOD"

In the West Valley animal shelter, the dogs that bite are part of a common spring problem. It happens when people and dogs and kids all go outside when the weather is good.

Celia Georgi/Mgr., West Valley Animal Shelter "THEY'RE AWARE THAT THE DOGS AREN'T NECESSARILY MEAN, THEY JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO."

Some dogs are afraid of people. This convicted biter is clearly not the kid-friendly type. So, what can you do?

Experts say don't reach out to strange dogs. If a dog does chase you, stop running. Its instinct is to chase. Avoid eye contact, which some dogs see as a challenge. And as a last resort, arm yourself with protective spray for an on-going threat.

And here's another tip: Strange cats can be a danger, too. Especially for kids.

"THEY TRY TO PICK 'EM UP AND THE KITTENS ATTACK 'EM, SCRATCH EM BITE 'EM"

Leash laws and park rules help only so much. The best thing to do is to be aware of where you are and where your dog is.

"ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICIAL POINT OUT THAT MOST DOGS ARE FRIENDLY, AND MOST DOG OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE. BUT IT'S A GOOD IDEA NOT TO TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED, ESPECIALLY AS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE HIT THE PARKS AND SIDEWALKS--EVENTUALLY."