Mountain Lion Sighting on Malibu Campus

Posted on April 7, 2026, 9:01 AM

Facilities Services staff spotted a mountain lion early this morning at approximately 2 AM near the Facilities Services Pad on Huntsinger Circle, before the mountain lion headed up the hill toward Drescher Graduate Campus through the brush. The sighting was reported to the Department of Public Safety and additional appropriate external agencies. The animal is not believed to represent a threat to the campus community, though community members are encouraged to follow the best practices noted below. 

The University shares confirmed mountain lion sightings near the Malibu campus to ensure the University community is informed of, but not alarmed by, the wildlife with whom we share the Santa Monica Mountains.  

Please remember:

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone, especially from dusk until dawn when mountain lions are most active.
• Do not feed the local deer population, which are known prey for mountain lions.
• Public Safety security escorts are available on the Malibu campus 24/7 by calling Public Safety Dispatch at (310) 506-4442.
• If you see a mountain lion on or near the Malibu campus, please report the incident to Public Safety at (310) 506-4441.
  • If safe to do so, please take a picture and/or video and send it to Public Safety via the LiveSafe app.

As a reminder, if you encounter a mountain lion:

• Respect the animal.
• Maintain eye contact and move away slowly.
• Do NOT run. Running may trigger the mountain lion’s instinct to chase you.
• Appear as large, loud, and powerful as possible.
• If small children or pets are present, pick them up immediately. Do NOT leave them unattended outside.
• Do not approach the mountain lion; leave space for the cat to escape.
• In the unlikely event of an attack, fight back. Do not fall to the ground or roll into the fetal position.

Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Final Update

Posted on March 6, 2026, 7:49 AM

Southern California Gas has successfully completed permanent repairs on the gas line near The Mountain construction site. As an extra precaution, Southern California Gas technicians will be visiting HOA residences this morning to ensure gas is functioning appropriately. They will check gas meters and then knock on doors if any readings are abnormal. 

Benton Way and John Tyler Drive are now open, and traffic patterns have returned to normal.

Breakfast will be provided at no cost to residential students, staff, and faculty in Waves Cafe from 7:30 – 10:30 AM.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we worked closely with the fire department and utility crews to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.

Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #4

Posted on March 5, 2026, 9:57 PM

SoCalGas’s attempted alternative solution has been successful. Gas service is expected to continue uninterrupted for the entire Malibu campus while SoCalGas continues permanent repairs.

Public Safety and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have thoroughly evaluated the affected residential areas. Eden, Krown Alpha, and Shafer will be available for safe re-occupancy starting at 11 PM. Students may head directly to their rooms at that time.

However, Lovernich remains under evaluation and the University is working with the fire department to safely reoccupy this building as soon as feasible. Lovernich residents will receive an update from HRL by 11 PM on whether re-occupancy will be possible tonight or, if not, with plans for alternative housing for the evening. 

The Fitness Center will resume its normal operating hours tomorrow.

Traffic on Benton Way and Huntsinger will continue to use an alternating pattern throughout the night and into tomorrow morning to provide access to and from the Drescher campus until all repair equipment can be removed. 

Breakfast will be provided at no cost to residential students, staff, and faculty in Waves Cafe tomorrow morning starting at 7:30 AM.

This will be the final planned community update for this evening.