Department of Natural Resources Confirms Cougar Sighting In U.P.

Cougar sightings are becoming more frequent in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The DNR just confirmed another sighting caught on a trail camera.

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History of Cougars in Michigan

Cougars were originally native to Michigan all the way until the early 1900s when they were wiped out.

When there was actually a hunting season for cougars in Michigan, the last one was taken in 1906 near Newberry.

Cougars started getting seen again in Michigan's Upper Peninsula around  2008 and from then until now there there have been nearly 100 sightings most of which have been on hunters' trail cameras.

Another Cougar Sighting in U.P. Confirmed by Michigan DNR

A landowner in Luce County Michigan had a trail camera set up to find out who and what was using his trail and got lucky and caught photos of an adult cougar.

As you can see above from the trail camera data the cougar was spotted on Mother's Day May 14. What a beast of an animal and it looks really healthy. With all the wild game to pick from in the U.P., this cat has been eating very well.

How Many Cougars Have Been Spotted So Far in 2023?

According to WLUC, there have been 3 cougar sightings so far in 2023. The one we just talked about was in Luce County, there was another in Chippewa County, and another in Menominee County.

What Do I Do If I Spot a Cougar?

If you happen to set up some trail cameras and catch a cougar on film, or see one with your very own eyes, immediately write down the date, time, and location and click here to report it to the DNR.

Just a friendly reminder, if you physically see a cougar, you are no longer on top of the food chain so don't take off running because they are faster than you and can climb trees. Don't try to get a photo and perhaps corner the animal because that is when they get into defensive mode. The best thing to do is make some noise by yelling or blowing a whistle if you have one on you while hiking.