Have you ever spotted a cougar in your country or state? Or are you mistaking it for a cougar? Whatever you call it — puma, cougar, cougar, panther, or painter — they all point to one species, the Puma concolor. Although they are essentially the same animal, cougars and cougars can vary slightly depending on their environment.
The term “cougar” is more commonly used in South America, while “mountain lion” is more common in North and Central America. You may hear various titles used to refer to American big cats, depending on where you live or what you’re watching. But if you live in Michigan, chances are you’ve heard the term “mountain lion” — that is, if you’ve ever seen one. Which raises the question: Are there Cougars in Michigan? This article covers everything you need to know about Michigan cougars plus lots of fun facts.
Are there mountain lions in Michigan?
©Chris Desborough/Shutterstock.com
Michigan once had a large population of mountain lions, but they have disappeared from the state due to unsustainable hunting, conflict with livestock, and habitat destruction. However, there have been several sightings in the state in recent years, which may indicate that the numbers of the big cats may be low, or that their numbers may return to normal within a few years.
Cougars were present in Michigan before European settlement. However, the cat was seen by the first European settlers as a nuisance among livestock, a competitor for venison and other game. Another contributing factor to the decline in the cougar population is widespread deforestation, as waves of settlement turn much of the state into farmland, which the cougars call home. In an effort to eradicate them and other predators from the environment, many states and the federal government have instituted bounties and payments for those who kill the predators.
Historically, mountain lions are native to Michigan, where they were extinct sometime in the early 1900’s. In 1906, the last recorded wild mountain lion in the state was legally killed.
However, in recent years there have been numerous reports of mountain lion sightings in different parts of Michigan.
Where do cougars live in Michigan?
©iStock.com/SandmanXX
All previous reports of cougar sightings in Michigan have occurred in the Upper Peninsula. However, these big cats used to roam all over Michigan when they were still present in large numbers in the state. They used to be found in cities and suburbs, and sometimes in wooded rural areas.
They can live almost anywhere, including sea level, the tallest snow-covered peaks, mountains, wetlands, woods, and deserts. Cougars prefer habitats with lots of bushes, shrubs, and other vegetation because they provide cover. If they feel threatened, they will leave the area.
Cougars are solitary throughout their lives and only deviate from this rule when mating and giving birth. They indicate their territory by grabbing trees and urinating on piles of leaves, pine needles or grass, which alerts other lions to avoid the area.
Cats’ coat color varies from place to place, depending on where they live. Cougars are easy prey on deer and other small mammals because they blend in effortlessly with their surroundings.
Michigan Mountain Lion Sightings
While mountain lions disappeared from Michigan decades ago, several sightings over the past few years suggest that small or growing mountain lion populations may be lurking around the state.
Since 2008, several mountain lion sightings have been reported, including two illegal hunts on the Upper Peninsula. The problem is not unique to Michigan, as adolescent males disperse from their core range in the western United States. It also happens in many other midwestern and eastern states.
While reports of encounters with these big cats persist in villages across the state, trying to corroborate them with conclusive evidence is like hunting down ghosts. When photographic evidence is collected at the scene of an alleged cougar sighting, it often turns out that the perpetrator was not a cougar.
From 2019 to 2021, several mountain lion sightings were captured on verified or unverified trail cameras. In 2021 alone, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed 10 mountain lion sightings in Michigan, all of them in the Upper Peninsula. The number of reported sightings has been on the rise over the years. However, biologists have been unable to confirm the existence of any breeding colonies.
An example of these sightings is tracking camera footage from September 2021, when an image captured a mountain lion in southern Dickinson County. Wildlife biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources flagged the photo as legitimate, showing a mountain lion roaming the open woods.
What does a mountain lion look like?
© iStock.com/gatito33
Mountain lions resemble large shorthaired domestic cats with small round ears on their small skulls. Their large, sleek bodies have long necks and tails. Typical mountain lions range in length from 3 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 5 inches. The height of the cat’s shoulders from the ground is 2 to 2 1/2 feet. As adults, females weigh between 80 and 100 pounds, while males weigh between 125 and 160 pounds.
Throughout the Americas, they range in color from tawny to blue-gray. The most typical color of the American Cougar is tan. Their noses and tails have black or dark rims, while their bellies, inner legs, and throats are usually paler. Cougars have strong legs, designed for sudden increases in speed, built for pounces.
What other wildcats are there in Michigan?
Bobcats, cougars and bobcats are three native wild cats found in Michigan. Since these cats don’t usually venture outside to play, most Michiganders are surprised when they learn of their sightings.
The Canadian lynx has been spotted several times in the northern part of the state. However, some researchers believe the cats were simply passing by as they moved. Meanwhile, the most common feral cat found in the state is the bobcat, confirmed in every Michigan county.
Next:
Mountain Lions in Indiana
Mountain Lion (Puma) Populations by State
These Are the 15 U.S. States With Mountain Lions
Mountain Lions in Virginia
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
