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TUCSON - With the number of Sabino Canyon visitors increasing this time of year, forest officials said mountain lion sightings do too. District Ranger Stan Helin along with Arizona Game and Fish wants everyone to be prepared before hitting the trails.

"Our goal is to increase our visitors' situational awareness when they're up in the canyon. The minute they step off the asphalt, in some cases, you're only 50 feet from the Pusch Ridge wilderness," said Stan Helin.

Bright yellow signs are posted throughout the park, alerting hikers and bikers to be aware of their surroundings.

Forest officials said mountain lions can be found almost anywhere in Sabino Canyon, but one of their favorite places tends to be cliffs.

"If they're menaced by a mountain lion they need to stand their ground, raise their hands above their head and try to scare the mountain lion off. If you just see a mountain lion in Sabino Canyon, it's not a reason to be overly concerned, just cautious," said Mark Hart.