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

Banana 101.5 logo
Get our free mobile app

History of Cougars in Michigan

canva.com
canva.com
loading...

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

canva.com
canva.com
loading...

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

canva.com
canva.com
loading...

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

Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
loading...

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.

Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
loading...

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?

Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
loading...

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?

Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
loading...

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.

Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
loading...

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.

$11+ Million Dollar Wyoming Ranch Has Elk, Deer & Mountain Lions

List: Bars Where You Are Likely To Find Cougars

We all know that one friend that is either a cougar or is really into cougars. In case you don't know what a cougar is here is a quick description, "An older woman who frequents clubs in order to score with a much younger man."

When you go to a local bar do you ever feel like you spot a few older ladies that are single and ready to rage? I can say that I know many people that can easily spot them at a bar. Cougars just seem like a great time. 

We went out of our way and made a list of local bars where you are likely to find a few cougars.