This just came in from the  Verdugo Woodlands West Homeowners Association. We encourage everyone in the Verdugo Woodlands area of Glendale to take this very seriously and to be safe.

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Actually, it’s much more than that. Very early Friday morning, a resident on Bonita heard scuffling outside in the back yard. Upon looking out her window, she saw large mountain and began screaming, realizing that her small dog was sleeping in its dog house outside. The lion took the dog from its dog house, jumped the 6-ft-high wall and took it away. The woman’s husband who also saw the mountain lion, reports it is a large one, approximately 200 pounds.

Upon hearing of this, your homeowners association advised the police that we would send an e-blast to our membership and requested that a mobile trailer with a reader board be positioned on Opechee so that everyone, members who do not regularly open their e-mails, and non-members alike, will be aware of the current situation. Informational flyers will soon be distributed throughout the neighborhood.

We all appreciate the pro ific wildlife in the Woodlands and from time to time we’ve all heard reports of mountain lion sightings. For many reasons, it is disturbing to hear of one as far down as Bonita.

Please be extra vigilant. We’ll keep you apprised of any further information that comes our way.

Verdugo Woodlands West Homeowners Association

A MOUNTAIN LION IS VISITING THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Please do your part to prevent repeat visits. The animal will remain in the area if it finds food.

Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.

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 hike, bike, or jog alone.

Trim overgrown landscaping.

Never water your lawn at night.

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.

For more information, contact Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA 626/792-7151 – wildlife@phsspca.org