I have pretty much known this to be fact for quite some time – simply because of the fact that too many people, whom I consider to be reputable sources, have witnessed cougar activity with their own eyes; or knew of farmer friends who have had animals injured or killed by these big cats.

The DNR has confirmed the presence of cougars in Michigan on four different occasions, but they are still on the fence as to whether these particular cougars were released as pets, or possibly migrated to Michigan from the West; and they will not confirm that Michigan has a breeding population of these big cats.

The cougar question has come to the forefront again because of a trailcam photo that captured a big cat last month in Eastern Chippewa County.  And then, just last week, another set of cougar tracks was spotted 110 miles west of where the trailcam photo was taken, in Schoolcraft County.

For me, personally, I think we have a breeding population of these big cats; we just don’t have the scientific evidence to support it…………yet!  I can think of no known reason why the DNR would deny that Michigan has a breeding population, other than lack of scientific proof.

As it stands now, though, at least the DNR is finally coming out an admitting that we do have big cats here in Michigan, albeit a small number.  I think that will appease a few of the people out there who have known this for years, and they will be quite pleased to see the DNR admit it.

When it comes to whether or not we have a breeding population, however, that is still free for debate.

Note: If you would like to read more about this particular topic, you can do so here.  I found this article from the Associated Press on Mlive.com.

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