Campus Wildlife

Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus is uniquely situated in the Santa Monica Mountains and is part of the wildlife urban interface. As such, a variety of wildlife may be found on campus in both the wildland and developed areas of campus. 

While most animals do not pose a threat to the campus community please contact the Department of Public Safety at 310.506.4441 if you encounter rattlesnakes, coyotes, or mountain lions on campus. If safe to do so, please take a picture and/or video and send it to Public Safety via the LiveSafe app. Please remember all wild animals should be respected, not considered as pets, and should not be fed. 

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes named for the rattle located at the end of their tails, which is used as a warning device when the snake feels threatened. Rattlesnakes are more commonly seen during warmer weather in Southern California, typically May through October each year. 

Although adult rattlesnakes can control the amount of venom they

release when they bite, young snakes cannot control how much venom

they release, making them even more dangerous than adult snakes.

If you encounter a rattlesnake:

  • Stay calm. Freeze, back away slowly, and allow the snake to pass.
  • When coiled, snakes can strike to half their body length. Allow enough
  • distance between you and the snake that it will not be able to reach you.
  • Do not disturb the snake. Do not poke it with sticks, throw rocks at it, or
  • attempt to pick it up.
  • Contact the Department of Public Safety at 310.506.4441 to report the encounter.
    • If safe to do so, please take a picture and/or video and send it to Public Safety via the LiveSafe app.
  • In the event of a rattlesnake bite:
    • Stay calm.
    • Get to a hospital as soon as you can. If you are bitten, allow someone else to drive.
    • Call 911 to receive instructions on how to treat the bite on the way to the hospital. If you are more than 30 minutes from a hospital, be sure the victim elevates the body part where the bite is located above his or her heart.
    • Remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry from the area of the bite.
    • Watch for signs of shock from the victim. 
  • In the event of a rattlesnake bite, do NOT do the following:
    • Cut into the wound.
    • Suck out the venom.
    • Use a tourniquet.
    • Use ice to cool the wound.

Coyotes

Coyotes are a medium-sized member of the dog family, and are smaller than their close relative, the wolf. Coyotes are scavengers that look for easy meals including other animals and trash or food discarded by humans. They are most active during dusk and dawn hours. 

If you encounter a coyote:

  • Do not feed the animal.
  • Maintain eye contact and move away slowly. 
  • Do NOT run. Running will trigger the coyote’s instinct to chase you.
  • Make yourself as big as possible while waving your arms.
  • Make loud noises; yell or use a noise making device such as an air horn or whistle. 
  • Throw rocks, sticks, or anything else you can find toward the coyote.
  • If there are small children or pets present, pick them up immediately. Additionally, do NOT leave them unattended outside.
  • Leave space for the coyote to escape.
  • Contact the Department of Public Safety at 310.506.4441 to report the encounter.
    • If safe to do so, please take a picture and/or video and send it to Public Safety via the LiveSafe app.

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions, also known as pumas or cougars, are large, predatory cats. Mountain lions prefer habitats with dense underbrush and rocky areas for stalking, but they can live in open areas, and several live within the Santa Monica Mountains. If you encounter a mountain lion:

  • 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.
  • Contact the Department of Public Safety at 310.506.4441 to report the encounter.
    • If safe to do so, please take a picture and/or video and send it to Public Safety via the LiveSafe app.
  • In the unlikely event of an attack, fight back. Do not fall to the ground or roll into the fetal position.