Mountain Lion Snatches Dog From Owner During Walk In LA County: Report

LOS ANGELES -- A dog owner says a mountain lion snatched her beloved pet right in front of her while out for a late-night walk in Glendale, KTLA is reporting.

Laura McVay told the station that she was walking her 12‑pound Shih Tzu, Declan, near Matilija and Cleveland roads in Glendale around 11:30 p.m. Monday when the big cat lunged at her and her leashed dog.

She said she could feel the big cat's presence, then felt a gust of wind as the cat pounced. She tried to pull her dog away and screamed to scare the animal off, but nothing worked, she said.

“He was so overpowering and strong. There was no way I was getting my dog back,” she told the station.

The entire encounter, she said, lasted less than a minute.

The KTLA story can be read here.

The National Park Service recommends that anyone encountering a mountain lion or other big cat stay calm and not run away. You should stand upright and hold your ground or back away slowly. Those with a small child or pet should pick them up without bending over because crouching can make you appear like prey.

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