This mountain lion was spotted by hikers at Sequoia National Park/Brian D

Because you never really know what's around the next bend of a national park trail, it's always good to keep your wits about you, as these hikers did when they encountered a mountain lion in Sequoia National Park in California.

Last week the hikers were heading along the High Sierra Trail east of Crescent Meadow when they saw and were able to film a mountain lion on the trail. 

"Encountered this beauty 8 miles from Crescent Meadow on the High Sierra Trail," wrote Brian D on his YouTube channel. "Sam Vonderheide (teacher at Arroyo Grande High School) spotted her first ... I wasn't a believer but turned on my video just in case. What an experience!

While the hikers and the mountain lion had no physical interaction, park staff note, "the video clearly illustrates how one might catch a glimpse of what appears to be a long tail, and want to approach further to verify that your eyes aren't playing tricks on you."

“The big thing these visitors did right was that they didn’t panic and run, even after they were surprised by seeing the mountain lion perched above them. Probably the most important message to get out to visitors is not to act like prey if they encounter a mountain lion,” said Sequoia wildlife biologist Daniel Gammons.

National parks are wild places, and visitors should always be mindful of their surroundings. For your safety and theirs, do not approach animals, regardless of size. Observe wildlife from a distance, avoid hiking alone, and be sure to tell friends or family your plans and when you plan to return.

When traveling in mountain lion country, visitors should assume that mountain lions are present within the landscape and know what to do if they encounter one. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has additional information on living in and visiting areas where mountain lions can be found at this site.