COUGAR ALERT ISSUED.

Byline: Patricia Farrell Aidem Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - Mountain lion sightings in Canyon Country prompted a recent warning from an elementary school principal who urged parents to be aware the creatures are roaming the area.

Pinetree Community School Principal Anne Gibson's computerized phone message went to families of pupils to let them know parents had reported seeing the large cats. Pinetree is in the northeastern corner of Canyon Country and neighborhood homes back up to undeveloped hillsides.

``We've had several parents who have called and told us they'd seen mountain lions,'' Gibson said Tuesday. ``We contacted (state) Fish and Game and (county) Animal Control. They gave us some information about what to do if you come into contact. We passed that on to parents.''

Gibson said the experts advised residents to keep pet food indoors because it attracts wild animals. People who come in contact with cougars should wave their hands over their heads and make loud noises.

There were a number of mountain lion sightings over the summer including one on the College of the Canyons cross-country trail and one in a neighborhood off McBean Parkway near Decoro Drive.

State Department of Fish and Game officials say the mountain lions eat deer, which are more plentiful in the Santa Susana Mountains in the western valley.