Burbank police are confirming today that it was indeed a mountain lion that took a stroll through a property in the hillside area yesterday afternoon. A resident in the 1200 block of Verdugo Spring lane told police a big cat boldly walked up the front driveway “… around the house, and into the back yard.” The cat disappeared up a slope in the rear of the home, but not before the fast thinking resident got some photos.
An animal control officer examined those pictures and confirmed it was “… a mountain lion.” This is the most recent in a series of mountain lion sightings in Burbank. Two were reported here on Media City Groove back in August.
Burbank Police sent out a community alert today about the latest mountain lion appearance. It included some precautions, some obvious, some not so, from the Department of Fish and Game.
- Do not feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
- Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
- Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums, and other potential mountain lion prey.
- Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
- Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Do not approach a mountain lion.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
- If attacked, fight back.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
If you happen to spot a mountain lion the Burbank Police Department wants to hear about it. Contact them at (818) 238-3000 or for more information regarding mountain lions call (818) 238-3290.
