Cougars, also known as mountain lions, pumas, or panthers, have been debated in Michigan. For many years, these large felids were considered extirpated from the state, meaning they had vanished from the wild here. However, recent evidence has provided new insights into their presence, challenging previous assumptions and sparking renewed public interest.
Confirmed Cougar Presence in Michigan
Cougars are present in Michigan, with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming numerous sightings through verified trail camera photos, track analysis, and DNA evidence from scat or hair samples. Since 2008, over 130 adult cougar reports have been confirmed, mostly in the Upper Peninsula, though a single sighting was confirmed in the Lower Peninsula in 2017.
While DNA testing of adult sightings primarily confirmed transient male cougars, a significant development occurred in March 2025. For the first time in over a century, two cougar cubs were spotted in Ontonagon County in the western Upper Peninsula. This discovery marks the first confirmed reproduction of cougars in Michigan in modern times, signaling a potential shift towards an established breeding presence. The cubs, estimated to be 7 to 9 weeks old, were observed without their mother, and their fate remains uncertain.
Understanding Cougar Dispersal
The reappearance of cougars in Michigan is primarily attributed to natural dispersal, especially by young males seeking new territories. These individuals typically travel extensive distances from established populations in states west of Michigan, such as the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Females are generally less likely to disperse as far from their birth areas. This natural movement contrasts with any reintroduction efforts, as the Michigan DNR has not released cougars into the wild.
Historically, cougars were native to Michigan but were largely eliminated by the early 1900s due to widespread hunting and habitat loss. The last wild cougar legally taken in the state was near Newberry in 1906. Recent studies suggest the Great Lakes region could be important for cougar range expansion into the eastern United States. The presence of these dispersing animals indicates a gradual re-colonization of their former range.
How to Identify and Report Cougar Sightings
Identifying a cougar involves observing several key characteristics to differentiate them from other Michigan wildlife. Cougars are large, slender cats with a tawny, unspotted coat, ranging from yellowish to reddish-tan. A distinguishing feature is their very long tail, which can be nearly three feet long and often has a black tip. Adult males can weigh up to 200 pounds, while females reach up to 120 pounds. They should not be confused with bobcats, which are much smaller with a short, bobbed tail, or large domestic cats.
If you see a cougar or find evidence such as tracks, scat, or prey remains, report it to the Michigan DNR. They have an online reporting system where you can submit details, including the location, date, and any accompanying photos or videos. If physical evidence is found, it should not be disturbed. If an encounter occurs, it is advised to face the animal, stand tall, wave your arms, and speak in a loud voice, and never run. If an attack occurs, fighting back is recommended.