Michigan has not seen cougar cubs in over a century, but recent photos have broken that streak. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources released images showing two small cougars in Ontonagon County, Upper Peninsula, on March 13.
Although cougars are native to Michigan, they were hunted to extinction by the early 1900s. While there have been 132 verified sightings of adult cougars since 2008, they were believed to be transient males from western states. The local population has not recovered, and cougars remain on Michigan’s endangered mammals list.
A pair of motorists in the western Upper Peninsula spotted what they thought were wild cat kittens on March 6.
Brian Roell, a wildlife biologist and Michigan’s large carnivore specialist, mentioned that the young cougars were mistaken for bobcat kittens initially. After consulting with wildlife experts, it was confirmed that the kittens were actually 7-8 week old cougars. The mother is believed to have given birth somewhere in the state, as cougars typically stay with their mother until they are around two years old.
Roell expressed concerns about the vulnerability of the young cougars and the uncertainty of their whereabouts. It’s unknown if they are still alive, as nature can be harsh. Regardless, the sighting of the cubs marks the first modern cougar births in the western Great Lake states.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises the public to refrain from disturbing cougars if spotted. It is illegal to harass, hunt, or locate their dens. Specific details about the cubs’ location are not disclosed to protect them, but the hope is that more sightings will follow as cougars make a comeback in the area.
