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.

“We’re just reminding folks that cougars are an endangered species in Michigan, so it is illegal to harass them and obviously you can’t hunt them. But at this point, we’re not releasing any more information on location or anything, just to protect her and those cubs,” Roell said.

The cubs have not been spotted again since their initial sighting in Ontonagon County earlier this month.

Roell also went on to caution against assuming that this evidence of cougar reproduction indicates that there is a breeding population currently in the state of Michigan. While Roell is of the belief that the cubs were born in the state, it remains uncertain that they were also bred there. Until now, all of the over 130 documented cougar sightings in Michigan since 2008 have been male cats, presumed to be transient animals from the Dakotas migrating through the Great Lakes region.

To confirm the species and estimate the cubs' age from the photographs, DNR scientists consulted with wildlife biologists from western states, where cougar populations are more established. This collaborative effort highlights the significance of this discovery and the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect and restore the cougar population in Michigan.

“There are not very many states where you can go have the potential to see a wolf, a moose, and a cougar, and so that really should be celebrated for Michigan, that we have the habitat that we do have,” Roell said.

The presence of these cougar cubs raises questions about the potential for a future breeding population in the state and the need for continued monitoring and protection of these elusive and endangered animals. Roell and the Michigan DNR are reminding the public to report any and all sightings of cougars through the state’s Eyes in the Field system. Roell also stated that he wanted to remind the public that, as endangered species, cougars and their dens are strictly off-limits to harassment.