DNR: Trail cameras capture 2 more cougars in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Two more cougars have been spotted in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said two trail cameras, located approximately 14 miles apart, captured the cougars in northern Delta County on Sept. 18 and southern Marquette County on Oct. 6.

With these new additions, the DNR has verified 43 cougar reports since 2008; five of which were confirmed this year. Nos. 39 and 40 were confirmed in August.

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Cougars were once the most-known land animal in the Western Hemisphere, but have been eliminated from about two-thirds of their historically known range, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

They were native to Michigan, but were trapped and hunted out of the state around the turn of the 20th century. DNR officials say they don't have an estimate of how many currently live in the state. 

Today, cougars are an endangered species in Michigan protected by law. If you happen to see a cougar, you can report it here. 

Contact Amy Huschka: ahuschka@freepress.com or follow her on Twitter (@aetmanshuschka).

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