DNR Verifies cougar tracks and confirms a location of a cougar photo
By Roxanne Werly
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 11:36 a.m.
Read more: Local, Outdoors
State wildlife officials say they've confirmed cougars are in Michigan's Easter Upper Peninsula.
The Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday it has verified two sets of cougar tracks and confirmed the location of a cougar photo. The tracks were discovered in the DeTour and Gulliver areas, while the picture was taken near Bruce Township.
Wildlife biologist Kristie Sitar says this is the first time a cougar's presence in the eastern U.P. has been confirmed, There have been several other reports of cougar sightings, but the department hasn't been able to verify them.
The last known wild cougar taken in Michigan was killed near Newberry in 1906. Sightings, however, are regularly reported and although verification is difficult, the DNR was able to verify several sets of cougar tracks in Marquette and Delta counties in 2008.
Cougar tracks are about three inches long by three and a half inches wide. They typically show no claw marks.
Reports of cougar tracks and other evidence should be made to a local DNR office or by calling the department's 24 hour Report All Poaching line at 1-800-292-7800.
