DPS reports rare actual sightings of mountain lions on campus
The Malibu Times recently reported that the mountain lion population in the Santa Monica Mountains have been decreasing due to the loss of habitat and recently, poaching.
Mountain lions have been a topic of concern to the Pepperdine community since last year, when multiple community emails and notices were issued after a series of reported sightings.
Such sightings are not uncommon in the 40-mile mountain range that surround Malibu as the National Park Service estimates about four to eight lions that call the local mountains home.
According to Lt. Eric Barnes of DPS, there have been nine reported sightings on campus this past year, usually during the early morning hours. However, there has been no actual evidence showing the presence of a mountain lion (e.g. paw prints, killed or missing animals). Four of the sightings were in areas where the animal was roaming in the dirt, but only deer and canine paw prints have been found in these areas.
But fear not, as Lt. Barnes says that fatal encounters with these lions are very low, and only about 20 people in North America were killed by these lions between 1890 and 2011.
To further investigate the supposed sightings on campus, DPS sought information from NPS, who have been tracking two mountain lions with radio collars for an extended period. The remote cellular data revealed that the lions have never entered the populated areas of the Pepperdine campus.
While rare, mountain lion attacks do occur. According to Lt. Barnes, should anyone encounter a mountain lion, he/she should take the following actions:
• Maintain eye contact and back away slowly. Do not run; the lion’s instinct will be to chase you. Appear as large, loud, and powerful as possible and yell and throw stones.
• If there are children or small pets present, pick them up immediately.
• Do not approach the mountain lion. Allow plenty of space between you and the mountain lion so it can escape.
• If attacked, fight back. Under no circumstances should you fall to the ground or roll into a fetal position. Hit as hard as possible, especially around the animal’s head. If you are attacked from behind, try to reposition yourself to meet the cat face to face.
• After an attack, seek prompt medical attention. In addition to any injuries you might sustain, mountain lions can carry rabies.
