In recognition of Responsible Pet Owners Month, the Cougar Conservancy is launching an awareness campaign to highlight pet care practices. This initiative aims to emphasize the important role pet owners play in ensuring the welfare of their animals—a responsibility that is of particular importance in fostering wildlife coexistence, especially in the City of Burbank.
“Taking responsibility as a pet owner means feeding pets a healthy diet, taking them to the vet for their medical care needs, and protecting the animals in your care,” says by Kelsey Bernard, Outreach Coordinator at the Cougar Conservancy.
The non-profit organization, the Cougar Conservancy, will be looking for the last point all month long.
Burbank’s Verdugo Mountains have a diverse array of wildlife, including cougars, coyotes, bobcats, gray foxes, and the occasional black bear. Whether living in the foothills or exploring local trails like Stough Canyon, it’s imperative for residents and recreationists to become proficient in responsible pet care practices.
The Cougar Conservancy is on a mission this month to prevent, reduce, and manage human-wildlife conflicts by taking proactive steps to actively work with communities to support coexistence. Their team of biologists receives daily inquiries and helps residents and recreationists with all their questions, from how to walk dogs safely on the trail to keeping pets safe. animal while at home. The organization aims to share valuable tips for coexistence at home, in neighborhoods, and on the trails—empowering residents and outdoor enthusiasts with insights into wildlife behavior and simple safety measures that keep people, pets, and wildlife safe.
Cougars living in the Verdugo Mountains and nearby San Gabriel Mountain range are currently designated as a candidate species under the state’s Endangered Species Act. California’s big cat faces many threats, including vehicle collisions, poisoning, poaching, and depredation events.
“So many of the negative encounters people have with our local cougars are preventable. Depredation events, where cougars prey on unprotected animals, show the urgency of responsible pet ownership animals,” said Korinna Domingo, Cougar Conservancy Founder and Director and Burbank native. Domingo is an alum from Roosevelt Elementary School, Luther Middle School, John Burroughs High School, and Options for Youth. He grew up looking at the Verdugo Mountains and noted that he is privileged to be able to work in his hometown and provide information to the locals about the animals that live there today, and what people can do to keep their pets safe.
In the two decades prior to the designation of cougar populations as a candidate species, California witnessed the annual issuance of approximately 200 cougar depredation permits. During this time, an average of 100 cougars per year were legally killed under statewide depredation permits. Interestingly, most of these permits are issued in non-commercial settings. It emphasizes the potential impact of everyday choices made by the public in caring for their pets and recreational animals. Simple adjustments to daily practices can significantly reduce the number of permits issued, reduce cougar fatalities, and reduce the chances of pets being injured or lost due to inadequate protection provided by their guardians.
“Throughout February we aim to get the word out: Protecting pets is part of the basics of ensuring animal welfare,” Domingo said.
myBurbank joins the Cougar Conservancy in raising awareness about Responsible Pet Owners Month. You can explore resources and tips for a safe existence at home and on the trail with your beloved pet companions at cougarconservancy.org/pet-safety. The myBurbank and Cougar Conservancy social media platforms will also be publishing educational videos throughout the month of February—including some by our own myBurbank Reporter Ashley Erikson.
CLICK HERE to view this video of Burbank cougar “Nikita” in a grooming session. Credit: Johanna Turner/Cougarmagic.
