Michigan’s Apex Predator: Record Cougar Sightings in 2025

Michigan set a new wildlife milestone in 2025, with more confirmed cougar sightings than ever before — and every single one was in the Upper Peninsula. According to data released by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), biologists logged more than 30 verified sightings, surpassing previous records and marking the third straight year of climbing sightings.

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Why Sightings Increased This Year

November, one of the hottest on record in parts of the state, was the peak month for cougar sightings in 2025. A warm month syncing up with deer hunting season and a ridiculous number of trail cams in the Michigan woods — hunters love their cameras — 30, 40, even 50 cams pointed at the same deer trails, means there are several dozen 'cougar detectors' operating at any given time.

DNA Testing and Verified Reports

Wildlife biologists, speaking with the Daily Press, also caution that many reports could be of the same animal appearing on multiple cameras, especially around private properties, where two landowners accounted for nearly a third of all 2025 sightings. While the DNR did use DNA testing this past year to verify a few sightings, it would have to be present in every instance to confirm how many cats were spotted. 

U.P. vs Lower Peninsula Cougar Sightings

And while the U.P. is buzzing with big cat love, the Lower Peninsula hasn't seen a confirmed cougar since 2017 in Clinton County's Rose Lake Wildlife Area.

RELATED: They’re Alive and Still Avoiding Us: Michigan’s Cougar Cubs Update

Love 'em, fear 'em, or shrug at 'em, Michigan's big cats are officially back in the spotlight. Stay curious, stay respectful, and keep reporting those sightings through the DNR's Eyes in the Field site and app.