At Least 2 Cougar Sightings Reported In Southeast Michigan

MILFORD (AP) - At least two people have reported possible cougar sightings near Kensington Metropark in metro Detroit.

The Oakland Press of Pontiac reports that experts say it's unlikely one of the big cats would be in Michigan's southern Lower Peninsula.

Michael Pucker, interpretive naturalist at the park, says that if the reports near Milford are correct the animal might be one that was kept as a pet and escaped.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources spokesman Ed Golder says it would be unusual to have a cougar in the area. He says some people see bobcats and mistake them for cougars. Golder says the DNR looks for tracks, fur on a fence or other evidence to help confirm such sightings.

The DNR has verified the presence of cougars in the Upper Peninsula.

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