Dog Killed In Malibu Mountain Lion Attack

MALIBU, CA — A pet dog died after being attacked by a mountain lion Friday in Malibu, according to Pepperdine University.

Pepperdine Public Safety found the remains of the dog Wednesday after the dog was attacked and taken by a mountain lion Friday. Authorities believe the mountain lion has moved away from the area, according to a Pepperdine emergency alert.

A resident reported on Friday their dog had been attacked and taken away from their backyard on Baxter Drive, where on-campus faculty and staff condos are. Pepperdine Public Safety got in touch with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, National Parks Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who opened an investigation on Friday.

Despite frequent sightings in and around Malibu, mountain lions won't generally attack dogs, the Los Angeles Times reported. Mountain lion attacks on humans are also incredibly infrequent.

"Mountain lion sightings have become common on the Malibu campus, and while mountain lion attacks on domestic pets occur in the surrounding area, they are exceedingly rare on campus," university authorities wrote in an emergency alert.

Even still, the university will increase patrols in the area and will open discussions with the department of fish and wildlife to ensure pet and resident safety.

The city of Malibu reminded residents to always walk dogs on a leash, keep pets inside at night and never hike or walk nature areas alone, especially during dusk, dawn and nighttime.

"The City sends its sympathies to the family for the loss of their dog, which is a family member," the city of Malibu said in an emergency alert.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will host two informational sessions about mountain lions for Pepperdine community members on Feb. 23. Check the Pepperdine emergency alerts website for more information on these sessions.

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