By John Savageau
BurbankNBeyond
KTLA News is reporting the alleged mountain lion attack on Country Club Drive last evening was actually a bobcat taking down a raccoon.
An area resident told KTLA’s Glen Walker that he watched the entire incident from his balcony on Country Club Road, and the predator was definitely not a mountain lion.
Bobcats are frequently seen in the foothills above Burbank, and during the evening will enter residential areas looking for food. Bobcats are not a threat to humans unless cornered, however small pets and animals are a food source for the predator cats.
BurbankNBeyond will keep on top of this story and keep readers informed of any situation that requires residents additional concern, as well as final confirmation on the cat’s identity.
Both mountain lions and bobcats are native to the Verdugo Mountains. While normally not a threat to people, all residents are cautioned to keep a high sense of situational awareness when in the nature areas above Burbank.
According to a Burbank Police report, on August 29 at 9:15 p.m., residents in the 900 block of Country Club Drive observed a mountain lion in the area. The mountain lion was last seen heading back into the nearby hillside. 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 the Burbank Animal Shelter (818) 238-3340.
