A mountain lion reportedly attacked an 11-year-old girl while she was feeding chickens outside a California residence Sunday.
The animal bit the child, who was not identified, on the arm in Malibu a little after 5:30 p.m., KTLA reported, citing officials. Authorities said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies based at the Lost Hills Station deputies responded to the incident and the child was transported to the hospital. She is expected to recover.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) personnel also responded to the incident, shooting and killing the mountain lion, according to KTLA. Authorities retrieved DNA samples from both the child and the animal and will be used to confirm if the animal was involved. The CDFW has assumed control of the investigation, KCAL News reported, citing the LASD.
There are an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 mountain lions across California, according to NBC Los Angeles. However, mountain lion attacks on humans are considered a rare occurrence. (RELATED: REPORT: Father Praised As ‘Hero’ After Mountain Lion Attacks Child At National Park)
Sunday’s incident is not the first time a child was attacked by a mountain lion in California. A five-year-old boy was attacked by a mountain lion at Malibu Creek State Park in September 2024 when the animal snatched his head and began to run, KTLA reported. The child’s father managed to fight off the animal and the boy survived despite sustaining injuries.
Cortney Rasura, experienced with hiking, also encountered a mountain lion in July while hiking the Gridley Trail in Ojai. Rasura told KTLA she maintained eye contact with the animal and shouted at it before it ran away.
“I was just so thankful when it ran up the hill,” Rasura said.
Mountain lion attacks do not just occur in California. A four-year-old was attacked by a mountain lion in July near Victoria Overlook on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, according to the National Park Service.