A warning to hikers in Sabino Canyon after a trail camera caught a female lion and her yearlings roaming the area.
Video of the sighting was shared on the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Twitter page on Monday. The wild animals were spotted on August 19.
The video is valuable to Arizona Game and Fish because it shows a family of mountains lions - not just one.
AZGF says they were made aware of the presence of the family by visitors and law enforcement. Now this footage gives them not only proof but a better understanding of where they are.
The family appears to be moving between Rattlesnake abd Sabino Canyon in the Catalina mountains.
Mountain lions at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area https://t.co/GuHD5rkCBe
— AZ Game & Fish Dept (@azgfdTucson) September 12, 2017
According to the Youtube video posted by the department, the video was taken at a wash near the Rattlesnake Trail, just off the tram road in lower Sabino Canyon.
"We're kind of intruding on them so it's kind of nice that they can survive and have a family out here as well," says Amanda Leist who was visiting from San Francisco.
With more than 1 million people visiting Sabino Canyon every year - authorities are working together to raise awareness for hikers.
But one hiker, Laura Simos says, "I wouldn't have been scared because you have to give them respect and give them their distance."
While many people are under the impression that mountains come out mainly at night, they can be spotted both at sunrise and sunset looking for prey.
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's website, if you encounter a mountain lion do not approach or run from the animal. Appear larger than you are by raising your arms or waving them slowly. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey.
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