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DNR Confirms 6 Cougar Sightings In Michigan

(CBS DETROIT) - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed six sightings of cougars in 2020.

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DNR says the sightings have all been confirmed in the Upper Peninsula: one each in Chippewa, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft counties and three in Delta County. In February, DNR Wildlife Division staff confirmed two of those reports after finding cougar tracks while conducting the U.P. winter wolf track survey. Four additional sightings were confirmed after residents submitted trail camera photos of cougars.

"No matter what you call them – pumas, panthers, mountain lions or cougars – these mysterious mammals, and suspected sightings of them, get people talking. The DNR wants residents to know the department is listening and keeping a careful eye on where cougars reportedly are turning up."

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Since 2008 there have been 55 confirmed reports of cougars in Michigan and all but one have been in the Upper Peninsula. It's also important to note that the reports could be multiple sightings of the same animal.

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