Mountain Lion Advisory – Sightings On Malibu Campus Last Night

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Public Safety officers confirmed mountain lion sightings in three locations last night:

  • On the Facilities Services Pad at 8:22 PM
  • Between Hayes and Peppers Halls at 10:24 PM attacking a deer. The mountain lion left the scene when Public Safety arrived, but not before it had killed the deer.
  • In a tree near Tiner Court.

The sightings were reported to the local sheriff’s department, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the National Parks Service.

The lion may return tonight, looking for its deer kill, and may continue to actively hunt in this area for the next few days. Community members should take appropriate precautions, and parents are reminded to closely supervise their children.

Pepperdine officials share 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.
  • Remember 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 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.

This entry was posted in Malibu.