Michigan sees record cougar reports in 2025

A cougar picked up on a Michigan Department of Natural Resources trail camera in 2023. Last year, the department confirmed a record number of cougar reports since the big cats were first wiped out of the state in the early 1900s. (Courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, via Bridge Michigan)

An adult cougar photographed Dec. 6 walking down a trail in Ontonagon County, followed by two cougar cubs. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources verified this photo from a private trail camera by enhancing the image to determine it had the three cougars, including one cub bringing up the rear. (Photo courtesy of private landowner, via Michigan Department of Natural Resources)