By Mary O’KEEFE

Residents in the foothills area are being warned to be cautious due to a recent mountain lion attack on a small dog just off Briggs Avenue. Early Saturday morning, local resident Kim Mattersteig found the remains of her beloved dog Bridgett in the backyard of her home. The dog had been viciously attacked by what authorities told Mattersteig was likely a mountain lion. There are several deep scratches along the back fence of her property that appear to be made by an animal jumping over the fence.

Mattersteig and her husband Paul contacted the Los Angeles County Animal Control that sent an officer out to the area. He traced the likely path of the animal and saw fresh mountain lion paw prints.

The 22-pound elderly dog had used the doggy door during the night. It was not until the next morning the family realized that she had not come back into the house.

There have been several sightings of coyotes in the area as well. Although, according to Andrew Hughan of the California Dept. of Fish and Game, the coyotes do not normally travel in large packs, witnesses have reported seeing six together roaming the streets.

Mountain lions, bobcats, bears and coyotes are all commonly found in the Angeles National Forest. These animals often make their way to the homes in the nearby area. Hughan advised residents not to leave any pet food out, make certain garbage cans are secured and definitely do not feed or leave food out for wild animals.