Mountain Lion Kills Family’s Pit Bull in Los Angeles, Officials Issue Wildlife Warning
A mountain lion killed a family’s pit bull in Los Angeles, California, according to officials. The incident occurred near the Oakridge mobile home park in the Sylmar neighborhood, prompting officials to issue a “wildlife warning” for the San Fernando Valley.
The mountain lion was first spotted at around 5 a.m. on Saturday by resident Rey Constante, who witnessed the predator on top of a gray pit bull with a leash still attached. Constante took to Facebook to warn his neighbors, urging them not to walk their pets at night to avoid becoming the next victim of the roaming mountain lion.
Fortunately, a person in another vehicle honked the horn and scared the mountain lion away before any further harm could be done. The pit bull, named Gigi, had recently been adopted from the Southern California Pit Bull Rescue, and its remains are being preserved for investigation by California Fish and Wildlife.
The Sylmar neighborhood council emphasized the importance of cohabitating with wildlife and urged residents to take precautions such as not jogging or hiking alone and keeping children close. National Park Service guidance advises residents to not approach a mountain lion if spotted, not to run from it, and to appear larger by raising their arms if confronted. Residents are also instructed to fight back if attacked.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and taking necessary precautions when living in areas where wildlife may pose a threat.
