This Buck was spotted by BurbankNBeyond Deborah Dodge on a recent hike from the Nature Center. The hills above Burbank are full of wildlife like Deer, Bobcats, and Mountain Lions. (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

On November 8, 2011, at 2:50 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Verdugo Spring Lane observed what they thought was a mountain lion walk up their driveway, around their house, and into the back yard.  The mountain lion was last seen walking up a slope to the rear of the residence.  The resident took photographs of the mountain lion and, after viewing the photographs, an animal control officer confirmed it was, in fact, a mountain lion.

Mountain lions are typically quiet, solitary animals that avoid people.  Although more mountain lion sightings have been reported recently, it is important that residents practice the following precautions provided by the California 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.

In the event that you see a mountain lion please contact the Burbank Police Department directly at (818) 238-3000 or for more information regarding mountain lions call (818) 238-3290.