Mountain Lion Sighted in Burbank

Burbank - Wildlife officials and Burbank police today warned residents to be on the lookout for mountain lions. Big cats are known to prowl the Verdugo Mountains, and a mountain lion sighting near the Oakmont County Club in the 900 block of Country Club Drive was reported about 9 p.m. Monday, police said. It was at least the fifth sighting of a big cat this summer in the Burbank-Glendale area.

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.