Mountain lion spotted in Burbank backyard: Should we worry?

A mountain lion dubbed P-41 was recently sighted in the backyard of a residence in the hills above Burbank, but officials said the animal is not  considered a danger to residents.

The big cat is about 8 years old, and has a tracking device in its collar that allows its movements to be monitored by a National Park Service team, Burbank Police Sgt. Claudio Losacco said.

“P-41 has been spending most of his time in the most natural areas of the Verdugo Mountains, and the team biologists believe 95 percent of his diet has been in the form of mule deer,” Losacco said. “The Verdugo Mountains, as well as much of Southern California, is considered mountain lion territory, and it’s believed these animals have lived in this area for generations.”

Kate Kuykendall of the National Park Service said there was “no indication that P-41 has demonstrated any abnormal or aggressive behavior.”

“He is in his natural habitat, and taking his natural prey,” Kuykendall said.

The exact location of the recent sighting was not released.

—City News Service