43 Photos of Michigan’s Apex Predator: Confirmed Cougar Sightings

Picture this: you're wandering Michigan's peaceful woods, soaking in the tranquility, when you hear a twig snap and suddenly wonder, "Was that a cougar?" The answer? Maybe, but don't let that ruin your hike. Michigan cougars are as elusive and shy as they are majestic. Your odds of bumping into one are astronomically low, but that hasn't stopped us from panicking.

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If you were raised in the Mitten State in the 80s, you might remember when everyone and their uncle talked about cougar sightings and keeping their pets indoors so they didn't become a light snack for a giant cat.

Michigan's Big Cat Comeback

Michigan's cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, were once native to the state but disappeared in the early 1900s, according to Michigan.gov. However, they've been making a slow but impressive comeback. Between 2019 and 2023 alone, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed 44 cougar sightings (see them all in the gallery below).

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Cougars are impressive predators, ranging from 6.5 to over 8 feet long (thanks to their tail, which makes up a third of their length) and weighing anywhere from 90 to 200 plus pounds. But these apex predators are introverts and prefer to stick to Michigan's most remote areas, leaving only tracks and trail cam appearances to confirm they exist (see the full gallery below).

A Closer Look at Mitten State Cougars: Michigan's Apex Predator

The rare footage in the gallery below shows just how stealthy Michigan's big cats can be. If you're lucky enough to spot one, remember: don't run, don't play dead, and definitely don't try to pet it. Instead, make yourself big, keep your kids and pets close, and report sightings to the DNR using their online reporting tool.

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Ready to explore Michigan's cougar comeback?