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Mountain lion attacks 11-year-old girl in Malibu, then chases her mother
Mountain lion attacks are rare, but resources are available if you should encounter one.
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Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Topline:
A mountain lion attacked an 11-year-old girl in Malibu on Sunday and chased her mom and sibling outside their family home before it was eventually tracked down and euthanized.
What we know: The child was attacked while carrying out her chores at the family’s chicken coop around 5:45 p.m., according to Peter Tira with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The girl was treated for injuries to her arm, leg and lower back.
What about the mountain lion? After interviewing witnesses, state officials say the young adult male mountain lion was located nearby and euthanized. DNA testing is expected at the end of Monday to ensure it was the same animal involved in the attack.
Big picture: Mountain lion attacks are rare but do happen. A 5-year-old boy was attacked in Malibu Creek almost a year ago and two brothers were attacked by a male mountain lion in a remote area in El Dorado County in March 2024. You can learn more about what to do if you encounter a mountain lion here.
Go deeper: Listen for more about our ability to coexist with wildlife in an increasingly urban world.
Listen
50:06
Lions, Coyotes, & Bears: Part 1 - The Mountain Lion Celebrity
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