Cougar kittens found in Michigan for the first time in 100 years 🐱

In the event that the weekend wasn’t quite long enough for you, here’s to hoping that your favorite dispatch from the outdoor world can give you 5-or-so minutes to prep yourself for yet another week.

So, without further adieu, let’s grab that coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and get caught up on the outdoor news and views from the past few days. 

Here's what's worth reading about today:

• 100-year cats- Michigan residents spot first cougar cubs in over 100 years 🐱

• All guns matter - Minnesota bill aims at abolishing shotgun-only rule 🔫

• Don’t shoot the pregnant ones - Extended season in Sask. leads to elk worries 🤰

• Moose put down - A nearly domesticate moose has (unsurprisingly) been put down 🫎

• Florida traffic jam - Watch as a mama gator controls traffic 🚸

AWWWWWW!
COUGAR KITTENS FOUND IN MICHIGAN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 100 YEARS

Wildlife biologists in Michigan have confirmed the discovery of a pair of endangered cougar cubs after they were spotted and photographed last week in the western Upper Peninsula. The cubs, estimated to be between 7 and 9 weeks old, were first spotted on March 6 by motorists and mark a significant milestone as the first verified cougar cubs in the state since the early 1900s.

Although the mother cougar was not seen with the cubs at the time of the sighting, biologists believe that she was close by, as cubs of that age are highly dependent on their mothers for survival. Brian Roell, a wildlife biologist and Michigan's large carnivore specialist, expressed hope that the family has since been reunited and emphasized the importance of protecting these endangered animals…

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Proposed bill in Minnesota Senate would abolish ‘shotgun-only’ hunting zones in the state: The northern part of the state allows hunters to use any legal firearms they want; however, in the south and west, only shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders and handguns are allowed.  Read the full story.

Hunters, advocacy groups raise concerns about hunting pregnant elk as Sask. extends season: Saskatchewan hunters and advocacy groups are speaking out after the Saskatchewan government extended the elk hunting season into March for three areas of the province. Read the full story.

Young moose euthanized after taking up residence in Osburn, Idaho: The Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently put down a young moose that had taken up residency last month. The young animal wandered into town in the middle of February and stuck around as people began giving it food and shelter. Read the full story.

When is turkey season in Iowa? What to know about Iowa DNR hunting dates and rules: Here is what you need to know about the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Iowa's turkey hunting regulations.  Read the full story.

Michigan introduces new deer hunting bills: changes for baiting, free anterless licenses: Two new bills introduced in the Michigan House would affect the upcoming deer hunting season this fall if approved. Read the full story.

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🐊 Here’a a real, back road Florida traffic jam for you. Watch as a gator mama crosses a Florida road with, what? Has to be at least a dozen babies?!?!

OK, now I dare you to go pick one up…

Cozy.

📸 : @anndriggers

Oh, and one more thing…