Mountain Lion Kills Pit Bull In LA County

SYLMAR, CA — A series of mountain lion sightings in the foothills around Symlar culminated in a fatal attack on a pit bull over the weekend, prompting warnings about a large puma venturing into residential neighborhoods.

The pit bull, a rescue dog named Gigi, was killed Saturday night near the Oakridge Mobile Home Park at Foothill and Glenoaks boulevards, according to a Facebook post by the Sylmar Neighborhood Council.

"Last night a large Mountain Lion was captured on video in the neighborhood of the Oakridge Mobile Home Park," the council wrote. "Sadly it had taken the life of one of the resident's dogs. (Our heart goes out to the family and owners of Gigi).

Gigi was being walked by her owner when the attack occurred.

Mark Rulon, who fostered Gigi before she was adopted, wrote on social media that Gigi "was one of the sweetest dogs we've ever rescued. She loved everyone. I wish I had been there to protect her."

"I hold no ill will towards this mountain lion," he wrote. "It's just trying to survive. We brought Gigi home and paid to have her cremated. So grateful my information was still on her tag last night. I was able to hold her and tell her one last time that I loved her."

The Sylmar Neighborhood Council urged residents to be aware of wildlife in the area.

"As we know living in this wonderful community, we are cohabiting with an abundance of wildlife," according to the council's alert. "Coyotes, raccoons, opossums, the occasional bear and lately a fairly large mountain lion, perhaps a couple of them. Safety is always the priority! Safety for ourselves, our families, our pets, the community and of course safety for these wild animals."

The attack marks the latest of multiple sightings of a large cat in the area.

Mountain lion sightings in the foothills of the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains are up this year. In February, after lions were repeatedly caught on doorbell cameras in Monrovia, Sierra Madre and La Verne, a schnauzer was attacked in a La Verne resident's backyard.

In May, a large young cat was spotted near Griffith Park, the old stomping grounds of P-22.

So far, the car involved in Saturday's attack appears to be staying east of the Foothill (210) Freeway.

Jessica West, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist told Patch earlier this year that there are a number of possible explanations for all the sightings, ranging from sub-adult lions searching for their own territories to mating season and females seeking food for their kittens.

West added that it may also be that there are more security cameras around to catch the big cats roaming and that there is more awareness of the animals in the aftermath of the schnauzer attack.

"Nothing out of the ordinary for lions or other wildlife to be seen occasionally wandering through these foothill communities," added West. "Best recommendations as always are to be aware of activity, recreate in groups, and keep pets on leash/indoors overnight!"

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife offers these tips for surviving mountain lion encounters:

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Stay alert on trails.
• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children.
• Off-leash, dogs on trails are at increased risk of becoming prey for a mountain lion.
• Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
• DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Running may trigger chase, catch and kill response. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms, or opening your jacket if wearing one; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
• Do not crouch down or bend over. Squatting puts you in a vulnerable position of appearing much like a 4-legged prey animal.
• Be vocal; however, speak calmly and do not use high-pitched tones or high pitch screams.
• Teach others how to behave during an encounter. Anyone who runs may initiate an attack.
• Carry and know how to use bear spray to deter a mountain lion. Bear spray has been shown to be successful in emergency situations with mountain lions. Have the spray readily accessible. Carry in a holster belt or attach to a mountain bike. Talk to the folks at your local outdoor store. Make sure you know how to properly use bear spray. People have been known to spray their own faces when attempting to use it.
• If a lion attacks, fight back. Research on mountain lion attacks suggests that many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, garden tools, even an ink pen or bare hands. Try to stay on your feet. If knocked down, try to protect head and neck.
• If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
• Report unusual mountain lion behavior to your local CDFW regional office.

SEE ALSO:

• Video Shows Lion Stalked By Larger Lion Before Fatal 405 Crossing
• LA Woman Finds Lion Staring Down From Her Avocado Tree
• Mountain Lion Reported In P-22's Old Griffith Park Stomping Grounds
• Famous P-22 Mountain Lion Goes For Walk Deep In The City
• Famous Griffith Park Mountain Lion Shacks Up in Mansion's Crawl Space
• Celebrity Cougar P-22 Receives New Collar,
• Status Update Lion Becomes Instant Legend For Crossing The 405 Freeway
• It's A Girl! Meet LA's Newest Mountain Lion Mountain
• Lion Killed Trying to Cross the Freeway
• P-22 Mountain Lion To Be Featured In Nature Mural In Watts
• Mountain Lion Spotted Prowling LA County Neighborhood
• Mountain Lion Injures Man Who Protected His Dog From An Attack

City News Service contributed to this report.