The question of cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, roaming Lower Michigan has long captured public interest, stemming from occasional reports and their historical presence. Understanding the factual basis behind these discussions helps clarify common misconceptions.
Current Official Stance
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintains a clear stance on cougars in Lower Michigan. While sightings are confirmed, the DNR considers animals in the Lower Peninsula to be transient individuals, likely dispersing from other states rather than representing an established breeding population. Cougars were native to Michigan but were extirpated, or eliminated from the state, around the early 1900s. The last wild cougar legally taken in Michigan was near Newberry in 1906. The animals observed are believed to be young males traveling long distances from western states like North or South Dakota, where breeding populations exist.
Documented Sightings and Evidence
Cougar presence in Michigan is confirmed through verifiable evidence. This includes DNA analysis from scat or hair samples, verified photographs or videos, and confirmed tracks. DNR biologists have specialized training to identify cougars from such evidence, sometimes even using life-sized cardboard silhouettes to verify photo submissions.
Most confirmed cougar sightings in Michigan have occurred in the Upper Peninsula, with 36 documented between 2008 and 2017. However, the first confirmed cougar sighting in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula occurred in June 2017. A resident in Bath Township, Clinton County, captured a photograph of a large cat in his headlights as it attempted to cross a road. A field investigation by DNR biologists confirmed the animal in the photograph was a cougar.
This sighting raised questions about the animal’s origin, whether it was a dispersing transient or an escaped pet. Since 2008, the DNR has verified over 130 cougar reports statewide, though this number may include repeat sightings of the same animal.
Understanding Cougar Characteristics and Habitat
Cougars are large, tawny-colored cats, typically weighing between 80 and 200 pounds and measuring 7 to 9 feet from nose to tail tip. Their long tail, often held low with an upward curved tip, can be one-third of their body length. These animals are generally solitary, except for mothers with their young.
Cougars prefer habitats with dense underbrush and rugged terrain, providing cover for stalking prey. They are adaptable and can live in various forest types, including lowland and mountainous deserts, and even open areas. While nocturnal hunters, their activity patterns vary based on prey availability and human presence. Their primary prey in Michigan is white-tailed deer, but they also consume beaver, rabbits, and other smaller animals.
Coexisting with Cougars
Living in areas where cougars might be present requires awareness and adjustments to reduce potential encounters. Securing outdoor trash and pet food in sealed containers helps avoid attracting prey animals. Keeping pets indoors, especially from dusk until dawn, or in securely covered kennels, protects them. Minimizing dense vegetation around homes can reduce hiding places for cougars.
If an encounter with a cougar occurs, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase instinct. Instead, face the animal, stand tall, and make yourself appear larger by waving your arms or opening a jacket. Speaking loudly and firmly can deter the animal. If children are present, pick them up without bending over. Fighting back with available means is recommended if an attack occurs.
Suspected cougar sightings or evidence like tracks or scat should be reported to the Michigan DNR, and the area should not be disturbed.