GLENDALE — A recent mountain lion sighting in the Verdugo Mountains prompted Glendale officials Friday to warn residents to take precautions.

Officers in a Glendale Police Department helicopter saw the "large lion" sunning itself in a clearing in the mountains last Sunday, said Senior Park Ranger Eric Grossman. He said it was the first cougar sighting of the year.

Signs and fliers will be posted by the city at locations such as Deukmejian Wilderness Park and Brand Park, and the city has notified the State Fish and Game Department, Grossman said.

Mountain lions are a natural part of the region's environment and usually hunt alone at night, normally preying upon large animals such as deer, according to Grossman.

Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive, he said, noting that an adult male's home range can span more than 100 square miles, while an adult female has a range between 20 and 60 square miles.

Mountain lions are generally tawny colored with black-tipped ears and tail. Adult males may be 8 feet long from nose to end of tail and generally weigh between 130 and 150 pounds, while full-grown females can be 7 feet long and weigh 65 to 90 pounds.

Anyone going into areas where they might encounter a cougar should:

• Not hike or bike alone. Go in groups, with adults supervising children
• Keep children within sight at all times
• Not approach a lion, which will generally want to avoid a confrontation
• Not run from a lion, crouch down or bend over, and pick up children without bending down and while making eye contact with the animal; -- do everything possible to appear larger, such as raising arms, opening a jacket, waving arms slowly and talking loudly
• Fight back if attacked, such as throwing rocks or using sticks, and remain standing