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Mountain lion attack in Solstice Canyon
A dog and its owner both escaped the attack with only minor injuries.
Solstice Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area reopened 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.
"Wildlife biologists are in the area to assess the situation," according to park officials.