Mountain lion tries to attack small dog, injures pet’s owner in Malibu’s Solstice Canyon

MALIBU — Solstice Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area was set to reopen Thursday following a brief closure prompted by a mountain lion that tried to attack a small dog whose owner was slightly injured when attempting to intervene.

“An individual walking a small dog on a leash was injured when a young mountain lion attempted to attack the dog,” according to a statement from the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

“While intervening, the person received a scratch and puncture wound on their hand. National Park Service rangers provided first aid on scene. The dog was not injured. A second young mountain lion was also in the immediate area during the incident,” the statement said.

As a result, the Solstice Canyon area was ordered closed as a precaution until 8 a.m. Thursday.

The lion attack occurred on Tuesday morning, according to KTLA5.

“Wildlife biologists are in the area to assess the situation,” according to park officials.

Seth Riley, the wildlife branch chief for the U.S. National Park Service, told LAist that the person’s injury was “a scratch basically, just minor injuries.”

“He was able to grab the dog and keep the lion from capturing it,” Riley said.