Feb 20, 2009 11:02 pm US/Pacific
Big Cat Sighting Prompts Warnings In Glendale
GLENDALE, Calif.
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A park ranger warns a biker about a recent mountain lion sighting in Glendale's Verdugo Mountains.
CBS
Authorities in Glendale are warning residents to be careful after a mountain lion was spotted in the Verdugo Mountains this week.
A Glendale Police Department helicopter patrol saw the "large lion" sunning itself in a clearing in the mountains last Sunday, Senior Park Ranger Eric Grossman said. He said it was the first cougar sighting of the year.
Signs and fliers will be posted by the city at locations such as Deukmejian Wilderness Park and Brand Park, and the city has notified the State Fish and Game Department, Grossman said.
Mountain lions are a natural part of the region's environment and usually hunt alone at night, normally preying upon large animals such as deer, according to Grossman.
Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive, he said, noting that an adult male's home range can span more than 100 square miles, while an adult female has a range between 20 and 60 square miles.
Mountain lions are generally tawny colored with black-tipped ears and tail. Adult males may be 8 feet long from nose to end of tail and generally weigh between 130 and 150 pounds, while full-grown females can be 7 feet long and weigh 65 to 90 pounds.
Anyone venturing into Glendale's wilderness was advised to not bike or hike alone and to keep children in sight at all times. If a lion is spotted, do not approach or run from the lion, and pick up children without bending down.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
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