Mountain Lion Sighting on the Malibu Campus

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A resident reported a mountain lion sighting to Public Safety this evening at 8:09 PM. The lion was spotted on the driveway leading up to Tiner Court and was last seen walking on the hillside along Tiner Court/President’s Drive toward the Student Assistance Center (SAC). Public Safety officers searched the indicated area but did not locate the animal. The sighting was reported to the local sheriff’s department and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

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. Pepperdine officials place the highest priority on the safety of our University community and remain in close communication with National Parks Service biologists, who have studied mountain lion behavior in the Santa Monica Mountains for many years. 

It is not uncommon to see a mountain lion or other animals on campus, given our location. It is important all members of the Pepperdine community remain vigilant and follow best practices. 

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.