County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and County pest management experts remind residents in the foothills and near the recent wildfire burn areas to be cautious about wild animals that may have been displaced by the Station Fire and subsequent debris flows. Coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, bears have all been seen in foothill neighborhoods in the past few weeks and other animals may find their way into residential areas looking for food, water and shelter.

The best way residents can prevent wild animals from frequenting residential property is not to leave any food outside. This includes pet food, and pets themselves, which wild animals may consider food. Pick up fallen fruit on property and harvest gardens regularly. It is important to keep garbage containers tightly covered. Residents should never intentionally feed wild animals, as doing so creates a danger for residents and teaches the wild animal to depend on humans. Additional Safety Tips offered by the county include:

• Do not approach wild animals, even small young ones, no matter how “cute” the animal appears.

• Consider hiking, biking or jogging with a partner.

• Try to avoid jogging or hiking near wildlife areas when wildlife is most active: dusk, nighttime, and dawn.

• Keep a close watch on small children.

• Clear brush and dense weeds on property.

• If a resident’s property is infested with rodents, consider control measures as rodents can attract hungry predators.

For immediate threats or serious injury, call 9-1-1. For concerns over sightings or evidence of wild animaxls, contact one of the authorities listed below.

County of Los Angeles Pest Management

Coyote Information: http://acwm.co.la.ca.us/scripts/coyo.htm

Or, for more information on coyotes, rodents, or similar pests, call (626) 575-5462 (Monday through Thursday, business hours)

California Department of Fish and Game (mountain lions, bears, bobcats)

Keep Me Wild: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/

(916) 322-8911

County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care & Control

Wild Animal Information: http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/wildinfo.asp

Shelter Information: http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/locationbycity.asp

Pasadena Humane Society

www.phsspca.org

(626) 792-7151

Glendale Humane Society

www.glendalehumane.org

(818) 242-1128

San Gabriel Valley Humane Society

www.sgvhumane.org

(626) 286-1159

  Antonovich, mountain lions, wildlife