Redding officials said this week that they've received "a few reports" of mountain lion sightings along the Sacramento River Trail.

While not all the reports have been verified, a Redding parks employee did see a mountain lion in the area on Monday, said Travis Menne, director of community service, marking the first verified sighting of a mountain lion in that area this year.

File photo of a mountain lion spotted in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, taken from footage from a trail camera in the park.

A visitor to the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area on Monday told a park employee they'd seen a mountain lion, Menne said. The employee went to the area where the big cat was seen to investigate and spotted a mountain lion, too.

"We assume it was the same lion," said Menne, who said the sighting prompted city officials to place an item on the city's Facebook page urging visitors to be aware.

When heading out into North State nature, Menne said, "there's snakes, there's spiders, there's poison oak and sometimes there's mountain lions. Nature comes with these additional animals. You just need to make sure you educate yourself for your own safety."

In its social media post, city officials said their notice was designed to "serves as a general reminder that mountain lions are a native part of our region. When visiting natural areas, please stay aware of your surroundings and use caution."

Redding officials ask people to report non-emergency wildlife sightings, or concerns about any risk to livestock or pets, to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife through the state agency's reporting system at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir.

They asked people with immediate public safety concerns to call 911. People can also contact the Redding Police Department or the Shasta County Sheriff's Office's non-emergency number, 530-245-6540, according to the post.

Michele Chandler covers public safety, dining and whatever else comes up for the Redding Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. Accepts story tips at 530-338-7753 and at [email protected]. Please support our entire newsroom's commitment to public service journalism by subscribing today.