Mountain Lion Kills German Shepherd

Scorching heat may not be the only thing to worry about this summer following a recent pet slaying by a wild cat. 

A 70-pound German-Belgian shepherd was killed by a mountain lion in the 1800 block of Emerald Terrace in Glendale on July 21. 

According to the The Glendale News Press, the dog, named Cookie, was owned by Karine Tatevossian. Cookie was last seen on Friday night and, the next morning, she was found with wounds on her neck and rib age. Tatevossian believes that the cougar had attempted to pull the dog away.

“She was a great dog,” Tatevossian told The News-Press. “It’s just really scary.”

Glendale Police Department said that more than half of California is mountain lion habitat. Mountain lions mostly like to prey on deer but also on livestock and pets.

Past incidents of mountain lion encounters include a near Montrose as well as a in La Crescenta.

As such, it is important to be aware of safety tips related to mountain lions.

“We feel bad for the owner,” commented Andrew Hughan, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Game told the News-Press. “We never want to see any animals get killed.”

Here are a few pointers to living in mountain lion country:

Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.

Deer-proof landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat.

Cut brush to decrease number of hiding places for mountain lions.

Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.

Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.

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 mountain lion prey.

Here are a set of tips to staying safe from mountain lions:

Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.

Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.

Keep a close watch on small children.

Do not approach a mountain lion.

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 a mountain lion is sighted, call the Glendale Police Department.

To learn more about these recommendations, visit the California Department of Fish and Game.