The first sighting happened on Feb. 19 after DNR staff identified cougar tracks in Delta County while conducting wolf track surveys. Eleven confirmed panther sightings were made in 2019, 15 mountain lions were spotted in Michigan in 2020. So, when he heard that a cougar may have been seen . Saliby: It seems very rare that our listeners would ever spot a cougar here in the Capital Region. (WXYZ) The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported 13 confirmed cougar sightings across the state in 2020. Morning 4: A look at recent confirmed cougar sightings in Michigan -- and more news Here are the top stories for the morning of Aug. 18, 2022 On Nov. 15, 2019, a trail camera captured a photo. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This Beloved Ann Arbor Farm Is Surviving the Pandemic Without PPP, Blueberries, Blackberries, Peaches, Raspberries: Heres Where to Find U-Pick Farm, State Parks Now Open for Midweek Campers, Remote Workers as Michigan DNR Unveils New Booking Tool, A 2021 Michigan Beer Lovers Bucket List: Must-Try Beers, Breweries, and Locales, The Ultimate Michigan Wine Tour: Must-Visit Vineyards, Tasting Rooms and More, Michigan Schools and Tribes Encouraged to Apply for Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Grants. Two illegal harvests have also been recorded in the Upper Peninsula. Saliby: You've mentioned a couple of different ways that your team monitors and tracks cougars, like the trail cameras [and] getting photos from residents. If you have children with you or pets, if you can pick them up, so that they don't run away, that's always a good way to go. The DNR said last year that sightings could be increasing because more people are using trail cameras and reports, in general, are more frequent. 14 confirmed cougar sightings in Michigan in 2020 8,264 views Mar 14, 2021 69 Dislike Share Save FOX 17 WXMI 23.7K subscribers Fox 17's Jamie Smet spoke to the DNR about the abnormally large. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. This is about 1 mile from where another photo was captured on August 30 in Luce County. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. That gives you an idea of how rare they are.. Use the button above to visit the fishing home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Get all your hunting information here, including hunting season dates, rules and regulations, and much more. On July 20, 2021, a trail camera video was captured of a cougar in southeastern Baraga County. The species in Michigan is listed as endangered and is protected under state law. Cougars are an endangered species in Michigan and are protected by law. Eleven confirmed panther sightings were made in 2019, 15 mountain lions were spotted in Michigan in 2020. On February 20, 2020, DNR staff identified cougar tracks in southeastern Schoolcraft County while conducting wolf track surveys. About a month and a half later, a trail camera caught a cougar in northern Mackinac County. Find camping and overnight lodging options, reservation info, rules and regulations and more. Cougar sightings are on the rise in Michigan. In addition to full time positions, we also hire many seasonal positions including park workers, interpreters, rangers, wildlife workers and more. Since 2008 there have been 55 confirmed reports of cougars in Michigan and . The DNR occasionally receives reports of illegally owned large pet cats including cougars, and has confiscated these animals. At one point, the animal roamedall 48 contiguous states in the United States, according to the Cougar Fund, a Wyoming-based nonprofit that educates people on and advocates for the protection of these animals. He clarified that doesnt mean there are 40 animals but it is 40 different reports the DNR has been able to confirm. Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. By. July 12, Delta County: A trail camera photo was captured of a cougar. https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json, Go to Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Go to Recreational safety and hunter education, Natural and Historical Education Resources for Home, Cultural & Scientific Collectors Permit (Fisheries), Collaborative Forest Management: The Good Neighbor Authority, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Northern Lake Michigan Islands Collaborative, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils. WKAR Public Media | This is about 180 miles from where the July 17 photo was captured in Ontonagon County. On December 23, 2021, cougar tracks were found in southwestern Delta County. They are also encouraged to protect, fence and shelter livestock, especially at night, and to avoid feeding wildlife nearby as it may attract potential prey sources. The highest number of Michigan cougar sightings has occurred during the past three years. DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. However, the team was able to investigate the report after the owner of the photo saw a newspaper story about it and contacted DNR. On March 31, 2021, a trail camera video was captured of a cougar in northeast Dickinson County. The Michigan DNR says. Visit the grants home page by clicking on the button above, or view a specific area of interest below: Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. DNR alsocannot estimate how many cougars may be in Michigan at any time, but presume that it is a very small number based on the relatively low number of verified reports. In its midseason update, the Department of Natural Resources said all of the sightings of the mysterious cats have been in. According to Cody Norton, DNA analysis confirms cats have dispersed into the state from Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming (likely traveling through Minnesota and northern Wisconsin). Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Thoseare relatively new devices that trigger themselves when there is movement in the frame, andarestrapped to trees and left there. The organization added that its important to note that the reports could be multiple sightings of the same animal. A Fireball in Michigan Skies in 1965: What Really Happened? And so, in those two poached carcasses we've had that we were able to do DNA analysis on and try to figure out what populations they were from, they most closely related to populations in South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. DNR confirms cougar sighting near Lansing, Rare cougar photographed by Upper Peninsula trail camera, Cougar spotted in Michigan county is DNRs 40th confirmed sighting, Chicago men rescued near Drummond Island were found clinging to overturned boat. Ever Wanted to Own an Island? Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now. michigan wolf sightings maphow to turn off second alert on iphone calendar. So, a lot of times, you'll have trees in the background or possibly a building or some other feature. Minnesota Minnesota does not have an established breeding population of mountain lions. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ten mountain lion sightings have now been confirmed in Michigans Upper Peninsula in 2021, according to the DNR. July 13, Ontonagon County: A trail camera photo was captured of a cougar. Although sightings are rare in Michigan, they have been on the rise in recent years. We administer grants that enable our local partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety. He's been with WDIV since 2013. The DNR Wildlife Division staff confirmed two of those reports after finding cougar . A Fireball in Michigan Skies in 1965: What Really Happened. Cougars are primarily nocturnal although they can be active during the day. All of the sightings were in the Upper Peninsula. DNR officials say the greater use of cameras by hunters and others is adding to the increased number of cougar reports. There were 11 in 2019. . But a rise in sightings does not necessarily mean more of the animals are reclaiming Michigan as their home. They're getting cheaper [and] easier for people to use. At least one confirmed sighting of a Michigan mountain lion has been made in the Lower Peninsula. The last photo was taken on Nov. 7 in southwest Barage County, about 145 miles from where the Oct. 13 photos were taken. Male cougars are known to travel great distancesin search of places to establish breeding locations with available females, said John Pepin, deputy public information officer at DNR, and it is almost always males that are recorded inconfirmed sightings. This was about 165 miles from where the June 6 photo was captured in Chippewa County. Updated: 6:52 PM EDT August 12, 2020. This is about 165 miles from where the June 6 photo was captured in Chippewa County. On Why Theyre Recording More Cougar Sightings In Recent Years, On Why Its Not Likely Cougars Would Reestablish Themselves In Michigan, On What To Do In The Rare Chance You Encounter A Cougar. Michigan Life A wolverine was once spotted in the county, Hanson said, and a black bear was sighted multiple times in the Upper Thumb about 20 years ago. Use the button above to visit the target shooing and archery home page, or go directly to one of the pages below: Find snowmobile trail permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. So, you look at the reports, now, towards you know, the last couple of years, the vast majority of those come from trail camera photos or cell phone pics of tracks or scat. On April 24, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County, on the Stonington Peninsula. Its the most confirmed sightings in one year in at least the last 12 years, according to DNR records. Just five days later, a trail camera caught a cougar in eastern Chippewa County, about 18 miles from the location of the June 1 photo. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE WINTER FUN HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Find facility info, overnight info, an event calendar and much more. Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Despite the occasional reported sightings, wildlife experts say theres no evidence of a breeding population in the state. If you were to be attacked by any of the large carnivores we have in Michigan, you'd want to fight back. On August 30, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southcentral Luce County. They are fairly certain some of the reports are the same animal, moving from place to place. is a contributing writer for The Gander and a longtime journalist who has covered everything from pro sports teams to politics, inspirational community stories, and much more. You wouldn't want to play dead, like you might with like a brown bear. What else does your team do once you have that information? MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released the latest information on confirmed cougar sightings in the state. There have been 62 cougar sightings in Michigan since 2008. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. A second trail camera photo caught a cougar on Aug. 30 in southcentral Luce County, about 1 mile from the first photo taken on the same day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MICHIGAN Cougar sightings are hotly debated in Michigan, despite the fact that theyve been spotted dozens of times since 2008, and were originally native to Michigan before being scattered across the state, mostly due to habitat loss. In Michigan, cougars are an endangered species and protected by law. A full list of confirmed cougar sightings in Michigan since 2008 can be found here. Thanks for being here. The head is relatively small compared to the body. Just $1 per month , There's been an increase in cougar sightings in the Upper Peninsula over the last three years, By On August 30, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southcentral Luce County. Cougars have been known to migrate 20 to 50 miles. No evidence has been found of a breeding population in Michigan, Pepin said. While mountain lions are native to Michigan, their numbers diminished to almost zero by the 1900s. We administer grants that enable our local partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. Since 2008, the DNR has confirmed 61 cougar sightings, with only one of those coming in the Lower Peninsula, in 2017. These were about 40 miles from where tracks were found the day before in Delta County. having been a result of poached cougar carcasses. All Six Cougar Sightings Recorded in Upper Peninsula for 2020. Sophia Saliby: This is All Things Considered on WKAR. For a full listing of help desk numbers, field offices, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page. The DNR said it is possible reports could be sightings of the same animal. The last known wild cougar legally taken in the state occurred in 1906 near Newberry. On May 12, 2021, DNR staff identified cougar tracks in southern Luce County while conducting field work. The media . On June 1, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Mackinac County. This is about 47 miles from where a May 24 photo was captured in Marquette County. factors that led to the formation of legco in uganda / does mezcal with worm go bad / michigan wolf sightings map. "In 2020, we confirmed actually 14 cougar reports," said Cody Norton from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. And yeah, if anything like that happened, you'd want to report it to the local authorities or the DNR as soon as possible. This is about 125 miles from where tracks were found on May 12 in Luce County. Sophia Saliby is the local producer and host of All Things Considered, airing 4pm-7pm weekdays on 90.5 FM WKAR. Classes & Workshops; Volunteer Opportunities; No evidence of cougars has been found. Calendars: After an increase in sightings around 2008, the state Department of Natural Resources created a team to keep track of animals. February 20, 2020 Saliby: Could a cougar population ever reestablish itself in Michigan? This includes three from Dickinson County, two from Marquette County and one each from Baraga, Delta, Houghton, Luce, and Schoolcraft counties. If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. State park, historic sites and visitor center events. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. For more information about cougars in Michigan, . In 2011, one cougar traveled a record-breaking 2,100 miles from South Dakota to Connecticut. Thank you for joining me. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. When the young are born, they sort of spread out from beyond that area. This was about 120 miles from where the July 12 photo was captured in Delta County. January 26, 2021 MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) The Michigan Department of Natural Resources released trail camera photos and other pictures as evidence of cougar sightings in the Upper Peninsula from 2020. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE WINTER FUN HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Find facility info, overnight info, an event calendar and much more. Politics What should I do if I encounter a cougar? Calendars: YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. This Ones for Sale in Lake Superior, Accountability Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). All . 2023 www.detroitnews.com. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. On June 1, a camera caught a cougar in eastern Mackinac County, about 127 miles from where the April 24 photo was captured. In February, DNR Wildlife Division staff confirmed two of those reports after finding cougar tracks while conducting the U.P. Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. Reports for Michigan State map of individual report locations (requires Adobe SVG Viewer plug-in for your browser) State terrain & political maps with report totals & population density by county Most Recent Reports February 2022, Mackinac County (Class B) - RECENT: Wood knocks at night in UP: Big Manistique Lake, east side of Seney Refuge Should you encounter a cougar: Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Visitor Centers across the state provide education programs, field trips, archery, fishing, trails and much more. The tail is long and thick with a black tip. They can do that by checking tracks, testing fur, or by monitoring trail cameras. A record 11 sightings came from the Upper Peninsula in 2019. The National Park Service has conducted road and trail surveys and trail camera surveillance in the past, designed to detect cougars in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The DNR has a ton of information on cougars in the state. This is about 50 miles from where a June 25 photo was captured in Houghton County. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE SNOWMOBILE HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Want to find tasty morel mushrooms in the forest? In the early 2000's, many big cat sightings were . There's not a lot of trees [and] not a lot of great habitat for cougars. With so many people having trail cameras in the woods this time of year, catching an animal on camera is more likely. The DNR urges people to report cougar sightings on its website. Nick Meyer In the 13 years that the state's cougar team has been searching, they have verified at least 65 reports of a cougar traversing the Michigan wilderness. So, we've had two poached carcasses. Former Michigan GOP Lawmaker Who Lobbied Against Lobbyists is Now a Lobbyist, Law and Policy USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE CAMPING HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Get all your fishing information here, including rules and regulations, license info, the weekly fishing report and much more. On December 22, 2021, a security camera captured video of a cougar in southwestern Delta County. DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. 2021 Confirmed Cougar Sightings January 12, 2021 On January 12, 2021, a security camera captured and tracks were found from a cougar in Southwestern Schoolcraft County. The six confirmed reports of cougar sightings in Michigan have all been recorded in the Upper Peninsula for 2020: one each in Chippewa, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft Counties and three in Delta County. "It was a cover-up initially related to . There is no photo available. According to Michigan Fox affiliate TV-6, a DNR team of biologists that investigates cougar reports had seen the trail cam photo, but initially couldnt confirm the source or location o fwhere it was taken. Norton: Yeah, so you know, just because we get a photo of a cougar doesn't mean that it necessarily came from Michigan or that it hasn't been altered in some way. Even though the animal was at one time native to the state, Michigan residents today are veryunlikely to encounter onein the wild, according to DNR, andthey also rarely attack those whose paths they do cross. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. On October 13, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in northern Mackinac County. What to do, Wyoming police investigate body found in Grand River, Student to face charges for threat to school district, $1 million grant supports mental health at Davenport, Reports: Man drinking before crashing into lake, Amish family grateful for support after buggy crash, Cedar Point dropped its gate price this season, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The steep increase in confirmed reports may be due to the recent popularity of "trail" or "game" cameras, according to Pepin, who added that hunters and other enthusiasts often have multiple camerasin different locations. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Raise your arms. Stand tall, wave your arms, and talk in a loud voice. But what should people do if they do see a cougar? All of the sightings were in the Upper Peninsula. On Aug. 30, another trail camera saw a cougar in southcentral Luce County, about 180 miles from where the July 17 photo was captured. Norton: Yeah, and it's really similar to most of our large carnivore species in Michigan and like you said, very, very, very unlikely that it will happen with a cougar, but if you did encounter a cougar or other large carnivores, it's best to, you know, face the animal [and] make yourself look big and as intimidating as possible. By . The Iowa DNR confirmed about 16 cougar sightings from 1995 to 2014. There have been periodic reports of cougar sightings since that time from various locations in Michigan. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. There have been 11 cougar sightings in Michigan in 2021, as of mid . State park, historic sites and visitor center events. We've had DNA samples, and then sometimes just from trail cameras, we can actually get a good clear view and determine that the animal is a male, but we've never been able to document a female or kittens or any sign of reproduction. The state agency does not know how many of the sightings in recent years were unique, according to Pepin, but assume that several reports may involve the same animal or animals based on some studies as well as the close geographical locations of some sightings. This is about 5 miles from where another photo was captured on October 13 in Mackinac County. We'll take, you know, GPS coordinates for that location. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. No matter what you call them pumas, panthers, mountain lions or cougarsThe DNR wants residents to know the department is listening and keeping a careful eye on where cougars reportedly are turning up, the organization said in a news release. Here is a list of the confirmed sightings from this year: Feb. 19, Delta County: DNR members identified cougar tracks while conducting wolf track surveys. Every so often we have numerous verifications due to a similar situation., (Find a complete rundown of the 12 sightings in 2020 right here), From 2018: Cougar captured on DNR camera in Michigans Upper Peninsula. No new permits are being issued. 2023 Michigan State University Board of Trustees, Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The species, which have the largest relative hind legsof all the members of the cat family and can jump up to 18 feet from the ground, were once the most widely distributed land animal in the Western Hemisphere, according to the U.S. And we do have a cardboard cutout too that's kind of a life size cougar. So theyve done some DNA testing and the cougars that are coming to the U.P. This is about 50 miles from where a July 20 video was captured in Baraga County.. This is about 95 miles from where a November 12 photo was captured in Baraga County. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. On Sept. 16, 2021, a trail camera photo was taken of a cougar in southern Dickinson County, reported Cody Norton, large carnivore specialist for the DNR. 2020 Confirmed Cougar Sightings February 19, 2020 On February 19, 2020, DNR staff identified cougar tracks in Delta County while conducting wolf track surveys. Written By 7 2023 Apr. In 2020, the DNR has 12 confirmed reports of cougars in Michigan, all in the Upper Peninsula. Make your contribution today to fund more vetted news reports throughout mid-Michigan! The cougar typically weighs between 90 and 180 lbs, with a few large males topping 200 lbs. Cougars, also called mountain lions, were originally native to Michigan, but were extirpated from Michigan around the turn of the century. Six separate cougar sightings have been confirmed this year in Michigan, according to a mid season update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This is about 30 miles from where the January 26 photo was captured in Delta County. Are there pet cougars or exotic big cats like leopards and African lions in Michigan?