Mountain Lion Sightings Reported in Michigan Despite Said Extinction

Photo byPriscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦onUnsplash

MIDLAND, MI - Although mountain lions, also known as cougars, were declared extinct in Michigan in the early 1900s, reports of sightings continue to surface across the state.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, historically, mountain lions roamed Michigan’s forests and prairies, but overhunting and habitat loss led to their disappearance from the region.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially declared the species extirpated in the eastern U.S. in 2011.

Despite their official extinction, sightings of mountain lions have been reported by residents in both Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Many of these reports come from hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who claim to have seen large, feline-like animals.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed some sightings through trail cameras and tracks, though these are believed to be transient individuals from western states.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, mountain lions are known to travel long distances, and it is possible that some have wandered into Michigan from states like South Dakota or Wisconsin.

While there is no established breeding population in Michigan, these occasional sightings keep the mystery of mountain lions alive in the state.