How to Handle a Mountain Lion Encounter

A mountain lion killed a Chihuahua in North Glendale on Monday, prompting police to issue a neighborhood alert for foothill residents.

The attack happened in the 2300 block of Bonita Drive about 1 a.m. Monday, according to Glendale police Officer Matt Zakarian. 

The mountain lion is described weighing about 150 pounds, according to the Glendale News-Press. It jumped a gate and pulled the 4-year-old Chihuahua out of its dog house while the animal's owners yelled and chased the mountain lion, although it was too late.

“He didn’t even get a chance to bark. All we heard was whimper,” Marco Iezza told The News-Press. Iezza's yard is surrounded by several other homes, which meant that the giant cat had to scale several gates. 

Iezza chased the mountain lion, yelling, but it was too late for the pet, according to The News-Press.

“The way he jumped that fence was amazing,” Iezza told The News-Press.

An mountain lion was also .

The Pasadena Humane Society reminds locals to do their parts to prevent repeat visits by the animal, which could frequent the area anytime from dusk to dawn.

Here are police suggestions if you encounter a mountain lion: 

• Act large, mountain lions are afraid of people and by acting large you can avoid an attack.

• Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.

• Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active.

• Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums, and other potential mountain lion prey.

• Do not hike, jog, bike alone.

• Trim overgrown bushes or trees.

• Never water a lawn at night - it could draw mountain lions thirsty for water.

If you encounter a mountain lion, act big and do not run; face the animal, make a noise and throw rocks or wave your arms. Pick up small children. If you are attacked, fight back. If you are attacked, call 911 immediately.

For more information, call the Pasadena Humane Society & SCPA at (626) 792-7151 or visit wildlife@phsspca.org.