Popular Santa Monica Mountains Hiking Trail Closed After Mountain Lion Attack

Tuesday October 24, 2023

(Photo courtesy SMNRA)

     The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has closed a popular hiking trail following a mountain lion attack as a person was walking their dog.

     Solstice Canyon trail is located in the mountains northwest of Malibu.

     They say that Tuesday morning the person was walking a dog on leash when a young mountain lion tried to attack the dog.

     The dog owner intervened to protect the dog and was injured by the mountain lion.

     The injuries were minor and were treated at the scene by National Park Service rangers.

     The dog was not injured.

     Another mountain lion was seen in the area during the incident.

     The rangers decided to close the trail to the public until at least Thursday morning while wildlife biologists assess the situation.

     Biologists say such attacks are rare but mountain lions can be unpredictable and you are invading their space when you are in an area like Solstice Canyon.

     They say if you encounter a mountain lion make yourself as large and intimidating as possible by yelling and waving your arms and even throwing objects towards the mountain lion.

     Then slowly back away and give the mountain lion the space to do the same.

     They say do not turn and run.

      Dogs should always be on a leash that is no longer than six feet.