Mountain Lion Spotted In Burbank Foothills; 5th Time This Summer

BURBANK (CBS) — Wildlife officials and police are warning Burbank residents to be on the lookout for mountain lions.

KNX 1070's Vytas Safronikas reports a recent sighting near a local country club marks the fifth time a big cat has been spotted in the foothills of Burbank and Glendale this summer — and the third in the month of August.

A mountain lion was spotted near the Oakmont Country Club in the 900 block of Country Club Drive around 9 p.m. Monday, police said.

Witnesses reported seeing the big cat attack a raccoon after being drawn to food outside local residences.

"Animal control went out and verified that, yes, it was a mountain lion sighting," said Burbank Police Sgt. Robert Quesada. "So we then took the precautions of going out, alerting the neighbors."

California Department of Fish and Game officials said people should not feed deer, because they are the primary prey of big cats, and deer could draw in mountain lions.

People out for hikes around dawn and dusk should be on alert, since that is when mountain lions are most active.

Pets and pet food should be kept indoors at night, and brush near homes should be trimmed back, wildlife officials said.

Running from a big cat could trigger its predator instincts. If confronted, rangers say people should face the cat, stand up straight, raise their arms, make noise and throw rocks or sticks.

Any big cat sightings should be reported to police by calling (818) 238-3000 or the Burbank Animal Shelter at (818) 238-3340.

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