Michigan DNR: Cougar Hit By Vehicle In The U.P.

Cougars are being spotting more frequently than ever before in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. One was recently hit by a vehicle and walked away from the crash.

Cougar Sightings in the Upper Peninsula

There is no official count of cougars in the Upper Peninsula, but sightings are becoming more frequent, 27 confirmed sighting in 2025. Most cougar sightings are individual males who have traveled from western states, though a pair of cougar cubs were confirmed in Ontonagon County in March 2025 letting us know at least one female is in the U.P.

Trail cameras have played a big part in confirming cougars exist in the Upper Peninsula. It is one thing to have someone see one of the animals run across the field, but to have a photo and a location to take a DNR officer to is gold.

Read More: 21 Cougar Sightings in Michigan Confirm Comeback

Cougars will help control deer populations, reduce overgrazing, benefit smaller animals, and create a healthier, more balanced ecosystem for the U.P.

Rare Cougar Sighting After Animal Hit By Car In U.P.

Like deer, black bear, coyote, wolves, elk, and moose, cougars cross Michigan roads, walk along side them, and eventually some get hit by a passing vehicle. Cougars in the U.P. typically weigh 90-180 pounds and measure 5-6 feet long (nose to tail). Males can exceed 200 pounds. Needless to say, a cougar could do some serious damage to a vehicle when struck.

According to MLive, the DNR has confirmed Michigan's first cougar to be hit by a vehicle in the Upper Peninsula. DNA was used to confirm that a vehicle in Houghton County hit a male cougar the night of November 15.

The DNR did not find the cougar while investigating the scene, but did find some hair and a single claw from the animal. There is no word on whether the animal survived the collision since conservation officers were not able to locate it after a second search the following day.

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The DNR sent the biological material to a lab in Montana to find out the animal's geographic origin, but it will take a few months to get the results.

👇BELOW: 43 Photos of Michigan's Cougar Sightings👇