Recent Malibu Campus Mountain Lion Sightings
There have been nine mountain lion sightings on the Malibu campus in the last six-weeks. University leaders are in communication with biologists at the National Park Service who monitor mountain lion activity in the Santa Monica Mountains. These biologists know the mountain range that serves as the backdrop for our campus also provides a habitat for both the mountain lions and their prey. Pepperdine University officials want the University community to be aware of these incidents and know how to respond. Mountain lions were spotted on the following dates and locations:
- December 18, 2016 – 9:49 PM – Rho Parking Lot
- December 20, 2016 – 1:46 AM – Seaver Drive Booth
- January 15, 2017 – 11:35 PM – Drescher Student Housing Apartments near building W
- January 24, 2017 – 7:33 PM – Alumni Park near John Tyler Booth
- January 30, 2017 – 10:27 PM – Upper Dorm Road near Towers
- January 30, 2017 – 11:55 PM – Light post near the HAWC
- January 31, 2017 – 5:48 AM – Near Towers
- January 31, 2017 – 11:25 PM – Near the construction site above Stotsenberg Track
- February 1, 2017 – 1:38 AM – Near Smothers Theatre
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, mountain lion attacks on humans are very rare. Nevertheless, knowing how to respond is important.
- Respect the animal.
- Maintain eye contact and move away slowly.
- Do NOT run. Running will trigger the mountain lion’s instinct to chase you.
- Appear as large, loud, and powerful as possible.
- If there are small children or pets present, pick them up immediately. Additionally 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.
- If the incident occurs on or near the Malibu campus please report the incident to the Department of Public Safety at (310) 506-4441.
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