Genesee County, Cougar sighted.
Reported Mon Fri 5/2/2008 12:23 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 04/30/2008
Time: 9:55 PM
County: Genesee
Location Description: Genesee County - Morrish Road between Potter Road and River Road
Sighting Description:
I was driving South on Morrish Road South of River Road in Flushing at 9:55 PM when I saw an animal approaching the road next to the creek. This area is wooded, very dark at night, and has a large deer population so I first assumed a deer was about to cross the road. I slowed down and the animal crossed the road 4 - 8 feet in front of my car. I could not believe my eyes! I stopped and watched the cougar walk up the wooded yard on the west side of the road and back into heavy wooded area. I called 911 to report the sighting, but the operator did not believe me. He indicated it could have been a bobcat because they have been spotted in the area in the past. The only thing is that a bobcat does not have a long slim tail that touches the ground. The pictures I found have only validated my first thought."

Jackson County- Cougar Sighting.
Reported Mon 4/28/2008 6:34 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: April 28, 2008
Time: 5:45 a.m.
County: Jackson
Location Description: On 127 just south of the 127/I-94 interchange.
Sighting Description: "I was on my way to work this morning and saw a cougar standing at the edge of the shoulder on the highway. It appeared as if it was waiting to cross the road."

Isabella County, Cougar spotted and reported to MDNR
Reported Mon 4/28/2008 12:31 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: April 15, 2008
Time: 11:55 AM
County: Isabella
Location Description: I sighted it in the woods behind my house, along the property line to the east. To my east is 180 acres of leased hunting land, with no houses. Beyond that is extensive woodlands, with only a campground and no houses on that section of road. To the south and west is more woods and some farmland. I live in Denver township in Isabella County.
Sighting Description: "I was out boiling maple syrup and had just gotten my fire started when I heard something rustling in the brush about 50 - 60 feet away from me to the east. I just assumed that it was a deer, which are commonly sighted. I looked over and thought, "That's not a deer!" When I stood up to get a better look and the animal spooked and started to run to the south and then turned away from me at an angle and continued to run to the south-east. It was too low to be a deer, the wrong color (tawny/gold) and was running very differently than a deer runs. As it went by, I could see the front half of the animal in profile and could immediately see that it was a big cat, and for sure not a dog. As it turned from me I could see the back half in profile, with its long tail, definitely not a deer's tail. I could also see the back of its head in profile and could see its rounded ears, obviously not the tall pointed ears of a deer. I estimate that it was about 5 feet long, from nose to hindquarters. I immediately telephoned the DNR to report it."

Kent County- Cougar sighting remembered.
Reported Fri, Apr 18, 2008 at 1:06 PM to www.savethecougar.org
County: Kent
Location Description: Where Leonard St. dead ends just East of Forest Hills Northern High School in the field on the north side of the street.
Sighting Description:
"This mountain lion was chasing after prey, possibly rabbits, maybe just field mice. It was jumping up and down and moving around quickly in the field for about 5 minutes, then disappeared into the woods. This is the second time I have seen it in this field. My whole family was there to watch. My boy also claims to have seen it a third time. The most recent sighting was summer 2007."

Calhoun County - I-94 possible black cougar sighting.
Reported Tue 4/15/2008 9:42 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 4/4/2008
Time: 6:01pm
County: Calhoun
Location Description: Rest stop on I-94 Exit 110
Sighting Description:
I stopped at the Exit 110 Rest Stop on I-94. Returning to my car I spotted the cat and took several pictures using my iPhone. http://picasaweb.google.com/bishopbob/Panther I retouched these photos in Photoshop to adjust for light conditions and to crop. The bizarre coincidence was that the Panther van parked in the field of view. At first I thought I was seeing a zoo-like contained animal. I quickly realized the driver had no idea that the cat was there. I called it to his attention and other people at the rest stop (a man with his young son - maybe 10 years old). The driver of the van was taking pictures from as I left the area. I have seen the same kind of cat at Clark Lake in Jackson county at my parents home in a secluded set back twice over the past couple of years."

Discuss this sighting.

Wayne County- Cougar sighted.
Reported Mon 4/14/2008 9:45 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 4/11/08
Time: 2:00 PM
County: Wayne
Location Description: Highly populated area with many new homes and subdivisions.
Sighting Description:
"The sighting occured at 5 mile and Ridge Rd as I was driving westbound on 5 mile. It was 2:00pm in the afternoon and I was driving 30 mph about to turn on Ridge Rd when I noticed the cougar cross the rd about 30 ft in front of me. It was headed into a preserved natural park area with trails and ponds. It was large and looked full grown. There was no mistaking this as it's face and tail were giveaways. I usually take my son to this area in the summer but no fear doing so without a weapon."

Jackson County- Cougar Sighting.
Reported Wed 4/9/2008 12:45 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 4/8/08
Time: 9:30 PM
County: Jackson
Location Description: US 127, Rives Junction area.
Sighting Description:
"I was driving home tonight from Lansing, and am used to the random deer jumping out and bounding across the highway at the last moment with very little time to react, so I tend to watch the roads closely. Tonight, heading south to Jackson on 127, I saw something dart across the northbound lanes from the corner of my eye. Before I knew it, the animal was crossing the southbound lanes right in front of my car. It was so close that I hit the brakes. I've seen plenty of animals on that highway, even in the dark. This was no deer or dog. It was long and sleek and light brown. It was in plain view of my headlights, so I got a decent look at it, as fast as things happened. The tell tale sign that it couldn't have been a dog was its tail. I've seen enough big cats in the zoo and in pictures and on television to identify one if I had to. It was obviously a large cat. It took off across the highway and into the fields about a mile north of the Henry Rd. bridge on 127. So if you live in the area, please be cautious."

Ingham County- Cougar sighted.
Reported Tue 4/8/2008 5:04 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: April 6 2008
Time: 7pm
County: Ingham
Location Description: In Mason near Columbia/Aurelius.
Sighting Description:
"Cougar sighted in horse pasture in the brush. 3 eye witnesses, photos taken, video taken. Prints measured and photographed. Dennis from MCCR came out and confirmed--appears to be a juvenile. DNR came out and essentially said, "it's a large predatory cat, but not a bobcat and not a cougar." Cougar did not appear to be fearful of us as we watched and photographed."

Read more, see the photos and discuss them HERE.

Click here for more old
Michigan cougar sightings.

2007 Higgins Lake- Cougar Sightings Remembered.
Reported Tue 4/8/2008 4:36 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 8/17/07
Time: ~ 7:00 pm
County: Roscommon
Location Description: Higgin's Lake where W. Maplehurst dead ends into the lake, a bit north in a fenced 40 acre parcel.
Sighting Description:
"We were staying with friends at a "cottage/mansion" on the Lake. After dinner my friend and I took our youngest kids for a walk on the trails in that area as we ususally do to see deer. When we first started down the first trail, something was moving about 40 yards ahead of us. There were breaking branches sounds and then we saw a golden brown animal that we expected was a deer. As we looked closer we realized it was not a deer. It was a very large cat, had a very long tail, he scooted down a trail heading to the left of where we were, crouched down with a flat back, ears proped, long tail behind him and then darted though the tall grass and was quickly out of sight. We were a bit shocked, my friend stating "that was a cougar!, did you see that cougar?!". We opted to finish our walk that went in a circle in a different direction, as we had five kids with us mostly around the ages of 3 to 10 years old. We did not look for tracks at the time. My friend whose cottage is there says he had heard of other people in that area reporting seeing what they thought was a cougar as well. Very exciting!"

Wexford County- Cougar sighted.
Reported Sat 4/5/2008 12:51 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 9/10/07
Time: 5:15 p.m.
County: Wexford
Location Description: On Old M 37 road, along a creek leading to the Manistee River.
Sighting Description:
"As I drove down the road, the cougar ran across the road and stopped and looked at me in the car."

Gogebic County- Cougar sighted.
Reported Wed 4/2/2008 6:26 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 3/23/08
Time: 1:00 p.m.
County: Gogebic
Location Description: Just off of the driveway leading into my cabin off the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon River in Gogebic County (C.R. 527)
Sighting Description:
"On March 23rd, 2008, I documented mountain lion tracks leading from my driveway in Gogebic County into the woods. The paw prints were approximately 3-1/2 inches across and approximately 1-/2 to 2 feet apart. Accompanying photographs of this sighting can be found on my web site at www.ciscolandtrust.org/cats2.html. I had previously seen a cougar in the Porcupine Mountains in August of 2002 while on a bike ride on a closed trail. I wound up getting lost to the east of the main park road (South Boundary Road) after having to cross a number of beaver ponds. After several hours, I finally made my way back to the Ice Age Trail, which was incomplete at that time. Shortly after crossing a bridge over the Iron River, I saw an animal about 20 yards in front of me that I could not immediately identify. Then I saw the sweeping, long tail before the cougar turned and looked at me. In an instant, it was gone and I stood on the trail for several minutes wondering if I had seen what I thought I did. I was reluctant to come forward at that time because so many people had discounted the fact that mountain lions still existed in the U.P. Sightings by other people in the U.P., as well as my recent sighting of prints in the fresh snow, have further solidified my belief that I saw a cougar on that day."

Clare County- Cougar sighted.
Reported Mon 3/31/2008 12:13 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 3-20-08
Time: 8:55 pm
County: Clare
Location Description: 115 North 10/20 miles from US 10
Sighting Description:
"Driving up to Benzonia we saw several hundred deer.When we got on 115 north off of US 10 at the second passing lane a cougar approached the side of the road but with traffic coming in both directions it circled back .We turned around to see if we could get another glimpse but could not find it.3 foot tall six feet long."

Click here for more old
Michigan cougar sightings.

2000 & 2007 Ionia County- Cougar Sightings Remembered.
Reported Mon 3/31/2008 2:24 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 2000 and 2007
Time: 12:30a.m/6:30a.m
County: Ionia
Location Description: Yr.2000,our Beagles dog pen in our back yard. 2007,in the road just down from our home.
Sighting Description:
"Yr.2000,I heard it climbing up our industrial chainlink fencing that our dog pen was made. Then, we heard it growl,roar? we both flew out of bed not understanding what could make that type of noise!!My husband ran out to the pen which is just 20 yds. from our bedrm. to try to get the dog...as he carefully opened the door to let the dog out which was cowarding near it,he seen the cat jump on the roof of the doghouse and clear the 6 ft. fence like it wasn't even there.I seen the shadow of it and knew it was bigger than a bobcat. It had a long tail. 2007, my husband seen it again as he left for work in the middle of the rd. it stopped for an instant,looked at his headlights and then ran off to the other side of the rd. It was breaking daylight and the headlights were bright!! It was about 20 yds. in front of the truck. We reported both sightings in 2007 to the DNR.Hesitated to report earlier sighting because we found it hard to believe what we had seen let alone report it. Second time, we were convinced of what we had seen. DNR tried their best to convince us it must be one that was released or escaped. A hunter in Ionia County seen a deer carcass up in a tree,next time he went out...he seen the Cougar in the tree with the carcass. I am not feeling comfortable to bow hunt any longer. We are both avid hunters. Never have seen the tracks. I wish it was an escapee,I would feel better."

Kalamazoo County- likely cougar tracks sighted.
Reported Mon 3/31/2008 12:13 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: March 5, 2008
Time: Aprox 7:50 AM
County: Kalamazoo
Location Description: In our front yard on R ave about 1/4 mile east 34th street intersection on the south side of the road.
Sighting Description:
"On the morning of March 5th after a light dusting of snow, I was backing out of our garage when I noticed an unusual set of tracks going across our drive and sidewalk. I briefly examined the prints and noticed that they were about as large as my palm and followed along the tracks of a smaller animal. I did not have time to take pictures and called my wife from work. She took pictures of the tracks which we later developed, and noticed that they appeared to be very similar to recent prints photograhped in Delta County. We have reported our finding and submitted pictures to the DNR."

2005 Gladwin County Cougar Sighting remembered.
Reported Fri 3/21/2008 1:17 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: November 2005
Time: dusk
County: Gladwin
Location Description: It occurred north of Cotey Estey Rd on Eastman Rd (fire trail). It is wooded with several beaver ponds in the area that was clear cut 20 some years ago. There are many ridges and low lying areas. This was the same year that the wild boars got lose in the Midland area.
Sighting Description:
"Me and my son (3 1/2 yrs at time) had just got done dropping my hunting trailer off and going for a walk around the woods. We hopped in my truck and proceeded down Eastman road heading north off of Cotey Estey. I turned down a two track which lead to an old abandoned school bus I wanted to show my son. After I turned and proceeded about 50 yds I seen a dark animal crossing the road from north to south. Immediately I stopped and watched. I knew it was a "Cat" by the way it was hunching when it walked, body and head close to the ground, tail straight out and down with a slight curl up at the end and the shoulders and hips pointed up. Like it was trying to become part of the ground sneaking across the two track. It had a steady pace, not walking and not "trotting" across the road. It made it's way into the dry ferns and under brush across the two track and out of sight. I realized that it was a "BIG" cat, but what really surprised me was that it was BLACK!! I did not see the face since it just kept straight on it's path, but when it passed thru the lights from my truck it was jet black, no dark gray about it. And when it reached the shadows it just melted away. To this day I wished I had gotten out of the truck and looked for tracks, but with my young son in the truck and me not being to keen on being in the woods after dark, not to mention what I had just seen, I chalked it up as a life experience no one else will every truly believe."

Genesee County- Cougar Sighting.
Reported Thu 3/20/2008 7:40 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: March 18, 2008
Time: 6:00 pm
County: Genesee
Location Description: South west of Swartz Creek near Gaines Township north of Reid Rd. south of Hill Rd. east of Duffield Rd. west of Van Vleete Rd. South side of railroad tracks near Nichols Rd. break.
Sighting Description:
"I was walking my dogs shortly before dusk. They began aggressively pursuing a scent. They were leashed, and pulling hard. I stopped them, and looked to the south of the rail access road that I was near. I saw a cougar lounging near a large brush pile about 40 yards into the woods. We stared at each other for about a minute. I squeezed my eyelids shut a few times and refocused to be sure that I wasn't mistaken. My dogs were air scenting but never saw it. One of them pulled anxiously and broke my fix on the cougar. When I looked back up, it was gone. In 1996 near Niles, Michigan I saw a black panther by the railroad tracks north of U.S.12 west of U.S.31. Old sighting, but I thought I'd mention it."

Washtenaw County- Cougar Sighting.
Reported Sun 3/16/2008 8:23 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 03/12/2008
Time: 9:45 p.m.
County: Washtenaw
Location Description: Ann Arbor Road, about 1/2 mile east of Gotfredson Road, in Plymouth Township
Sighting Description:
"I had just turned eastbound onto Ann Arbor Road off of Gotfredson Road and about 1/2 mile down the road (before Lucas Nursery), a large animal cross the road close enough that my headlights just caught it. It stopped briefly and looked into my lights so I could get a fairly good look. It appeared to be around 3 feet tall with a shorter face (not canine-like, in other words), long tail, and what appeared to be very short hair tan in color. I feel that the only animal this could have been was a cougar."

Benzie County, cougar sighting remembered
Reported Tue 3/11/2008 8:24 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 8/05
Time: 10:40 PM
County: Benzie county MI
Location Description: The cat was heading west crossing the road as we came around a cover near Deadstream Rd., Honor, MI 49640.
Sighting Description:
"The cat was heading west crossing the road as we came around a cover. The cat just slipped into the woods and was gone as soon as we realized what we had seen. I didn't know at the time there we Lions in MI so I was confused as to what I saw. I asked at the ranger's station the next day. I told them we saw a hug cat, but it was too big to be a bobcat. That's when they told us it was probably a cougar. Even though they said officially they have no proof that the cats are in the area. I told them that it had a long dark tipped tail; it could have only been a cougar. My girlfriend and I both saw it and we both think it was awesome."

Washtenaw County- Cougar Sighting.
Reported Sat 3/15/2008 10:17 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 3-11-08
Time: 5:40
County: Washtenaw
Location Description: "I94 west of m52 between east bound lane and Chrysler proving grounds fence it was stairing at traffic I got a great look at it."

Delta County, Michigan Cougar track photos
Reported Wed 3/12/2008 2:37 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Click on the images below for the gallery
http://www.savethecougar.org/cougartalk/viewtopic.php?t=109&highlight=
or
http://www.savethecougar.org/Michigan-cougar-tracks-3-12-2008/

I-94 cougar sighting just east of Ann Arbor
Reported Tue 3/11/2008 8:24 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 3/11/08
Time: 5:50 am
County: Washtenaw
Location Description: Heading East on I 94 in my car as I was driving to Ann Arbor.
Sighting Description:
"I was driving East on I 94 heading towards Ann Arbor on my way to work. At about 5:50 AM, a very large, tan cat which I believe to be a cougar ran in front of my car bounding Southwards and into the woods. It had a long tail, short ears and tan in color. I only saw it for a brief few seconds as the stride was long and fast. It had to have crossed the West bound traffic and the medium and then in front of my car. Absolutely beautiful !!!"

Ogemaw County- Cougar Sighting from 1998 remembered.
Reported Mon 3/10/2008 3:25 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: June, 1998
Time: Afternoon
County: Ogemaw
Location Description: South Side of M-55 1000' east of Peterson Rd.
Sighting Description:
"I was riding with my girlfriend Eastbound on M-55 leaving West Branch. As you pass Peterson Rd. you go over a hill into a flat that is surrounded by a swampy area. On the South side (my right) I saw a huge cat standing at the tree line. It was facing away from me but had its head turned toward the road. I have told people about the sigting for years because I am absolutely certain it was a cougar. I have hunted and fished for years and I know the Michigan woods. This cat was definately the "Ghost" that the MI DNR denies exists."

Ottawa County- Cougar Sighting.
Reported Mon 3/10/2008 2:10 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 03/09/2008
Time: 11.30am
County: Ottawa
Location Description: on 16 th avenue and Fritz st. at the end of our street is a small swamp.
Sighting Description:
"Large tan cat w/long tail getting a drink, (at first I thought it was a small deer or dog) then it jumped onto a log to rest in the sun. I ran back home to get a camera and my husband, came back and it was gone, went down close to the location of the cat, to look for foot prints etc, couldn't get close enough, to wet and wasn't sure of the water."

Oakland County - Auburn Hills cougar sighting.
Reported 3/5/2008 10:02 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 03/04/2008
Time: 10:00 pm
County: Oakland
Location Description: In the wooded area of my backyard.
Sighting Description:
"I was looking out the backdoor because we were having a heavy snow and I saw 2 of them walking through my backyard. I first thought they were dogs but than they stood there and turned their heads toward me and they had the face of a feline but were the size of a large dog. After they stood there for a couple of seconds they just continued on their merry way. I live next to a busy road.....well not real busy at that time of night but they were walking towards the road. It is very woodsy and alot of ponds in the area, I see alot of deer, raccoons and possum but never something like that! They had long tails."

Seney Wildlife Area- young cougar sighting.
Reported Sat 3/1/2008 5:21 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 02/23/08
Time: 2:00 p.m.
County: Schoolcraft
Location Description: Crossing M-28 about ten miles west of Seney, on the edge of the Seney Wildlife Area, and continuing north into open country
Sighting Description:
"The cat crossed in front of us and other oncoming cars at a gentle lope, and went up the three-foot snowbank on the north side of the road. It seemed small for a cougar, maybe two feet long in the body, but definitely far too big for a domestic cat. Coloring was brown to dark brown, and the tail was faintly ringed, with a dark tip. The tail was held down so its tip was close to the ground. After crossing the road, it continued north away from the road. We weren't sure what kind of cat it was because of its size and coloring, but since learning more online, the length of the tail seems to give it away as a cougar, with the coloring and size suggesting it was quite young. It didn't have any difficulty walking on top of the deep snow, which initially suggested bobcat or lynx, until I saw that they have short tails."

Read more and discuss this sighting: http://savethecougar.org/cougartalk/viewtopic.php?p=147#147

Newaygo County- Cougar tracks.
Reported Thu 2/28/2008 2:30 AM to www.savethecougar.org

"Two pics of cougar tracks from north of White Cloud off of Evergreen. Pics were taken in Oct. 07"

Please click the photos to enlarge:

Washtenaw County- large feline sighted.
Reported Wed 2/27/2008 12:40 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 2-21-08
Time: 11:50 PM
County: Washtenaw
Location Description: Edge of parking lot ajoining woods behind Washington Condominiums, Manchester, Michigan
Sighting Description:
"I arrived late at my families condo and had to park at the back of the lot which is surrounded by woods and minimally lighted. It had been snowing and as I walked toward the sidewalk of the building I saw fresh tracks in the snow. I had seen these tracks in that area before and my family had seen two cougars, one black and one tan/brown walking in that woods before. Interestingly, the tracks started straigt from the edge of the building and went toward the woods. They were large cat tracks; about 5 inches long. Puzzeling about the location I said something outloud at which point I heard a loud cracking sound and looked to see a tan cougar jumping down out of a tree by the building into the wooded ravine below. This was a very large cat! The body looked about 5'long and it had apparently landed on a dead branch trying to get away when it heard my voice. The body was enlongated as it jumped almost straight down. It was only about 30 feet from me so I saw it quite clearly. When I went in and told my family they noted that they had seen tracks on their back patio that week. The patio is only a few yards from the woods and birds, squirrels and deer feed at their birdfeeder there. "

MUCC Proposed Cougar Resolution
Reported Sun 2/24/2008 10:32 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Cougar Encounter Guidelines Education
Read entire proposal here:
http://savethecougar.org/cougartalk/viewtopic.php?p=145#145

Dexter Michigan cougar sighting off I-94.
Reported Sat 2/23/2008 9:03 AM PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 02/22/2008
Time: 11:30
County: Washtenaw
Location Description: Along W/B I-94 near Baker Rd
Sighting Description:
"I was driving home from work along I-94 near Baker Rd.and saw what I initially thought was a deer alongside the road. But it had the dark markings around the white of it's mouth. It also had a much rounder head and thicker body than a deer. I realized it was not a deer but a cougar! I thought I must be imagining it but I am certain it was a cougar."

Lenawee County- Large Black Feline Sighting
Reported Wed 2/20/2008 2:27 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: Feb. 20, 2008
Time: 7:05 a.m.
County: Lenawee
Location Description: Rogers Highway near Laberdee Rd.
Sighting Description:
"I was driving south on Rogers Highway between Blissfield and Tecumseh when the black cougar ran across the road from the east to west in front of my car. I almost hit it. I knew immediately it was a member of the cat family, not a black dog, because of the way it ran, and it was definitely too large for a house cat. Very interesting sighting."

Berrien County, cougar tracks found and sent to DNR.
Reported Wed 2/6/2008 2:58 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 02/04/2008
Time: 4:00pm
County: Berrien
Location Description: On M-51/5th St. north of downtown Niles. 1/2 miles north of Pucker St. Dowagiac Creek is behind our property
Sighting Description:
"Husband went out side and discovered tracks all around both houses on property. Tracks were all along fence line, chicken coop, work shop, up near our bird and squirrel feeders. We took about 25 pictures of tracks. DNR had us sent them 6 pictures and said would call if they wanted any more. We now have a security camera setup. We believe it might be back due to chickens. They are locked up at night so it can't get to them. Paw prints measured 4" long and 3-1/2" wide. Stride was about 5'."

Genesee County- Large Feline Sighting.
Reported Wed 2/6/2008 2:05 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: within last year/twice
Time: night time
County: Genesee county
Location Description:
"Carter dr. just off calkins rd, the big cat was spotted two different times. A good friend/credible witness, informed me. that he had a Large wild cat stalk thru his yard and jump his gate, "easily". Mark did call 911 at that time, so it is recorded on Genesee county 911's log. Mark only called the first incident, due to the fact the 911 operator simply directed the sighting as though mark did not see what he was seeing at that time, while the big cat stalked it's way thru their yard at or in the am hours. Mark is credible, and has seen and recorded a six point buck walking down carter dr. In daylight hours, deer season or just prior 2007. I would not have even thought that was possible had I not seen the Buck on camcorder and the camcorder was out and on thier kitchen counter. In hopes that the big cat would appear one more time, to be caught on camcorder stalking thru flint township, Carter dr. just off calkins rd east of Linden rd.
We think the cougar or big cat is stalking the deer. That frequent the woods and wood lots in that area of Flint township in Genesee county."

Menominee County sighting from late eighties remembered- cougar observed
Reported Thu 1/24/2008 6:18 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 1987 (approximately)
Time: 7:00 am
County: Menominee
Location Description: Gravel road in cedar swamp. East of US 41 between Daggett and Carney.
Sighting Description:
"About 20 years ago I was standing on the road in front of my parents' house--a gravel road about a half-mile long. It was summer and fairly early in the morning but full light. I saw a big cat cross the road about a third of a mile away. It walked straight across the road from the woods on one side to the woods on the other side--it only took a second. I remember thinking it was a panther because it had a long tail that almost touched the ground and swooped up at the end. I also thought it was black but it might have just looked black from far away. I told my dad who spent his whole life in the UP that I saw a panther walk across the road. He said he'd never seen one but there could be a few cougars around. Family was skeptical as I was only about eight years old at the time but I have always remembered it. It was a big cat with a long thick tail and it walked right across the road...I was the only one who saw it."

Macomb County- Large Feline Sighting.
Reported Wed 1/23/2008 9:39 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 01/22/2008
Time: 06:35 AM
County: Macomb
Location Description: Approximately 200 feet east of the intersection of Clinton River Road and Schoenherr Road. Although surrounded by subdivisions, the area is close to the Clinton River and Dodge Park.
Sighting Description:
"At about 6:35 in the morning, my son and I were driving west on Clinton River Road, approaching Schoenherr Road. Roughly one-eighth of a mile east of Schoenherr, I spotted an animal moving across the road from south to north. In that first moment, the animal appeared to be crossing the four lanes of Clinton River Road at a point very near the intersection. In fact, it appeared to be maintaining pace with a northbound car on Schoenherr Road. I estimate that both car and animal were traveling at about 30 MPH. I should mention that it was still dark outside, and I was only able to see the animal's sihlouette (thanks, in part, to the headlights of standing vehicles facing east at the Clinton River Road & Schoenherr intersection). I could make out the classic shape of a running, "big cat" with well-developed hind quarters and a long tail extended behind. In less than three seconds, it was out of sight. During that time, my own vehicle drew closer to the animal's crossing point, and I concluded that it had crossed Clinton River Road about 200 feet east of Schoenherr Road. There is a large, vacant parcel of land on the northest corner of the intersection, and the "big cat" apparently sought refuge in an availble stand of trees and brush near the back of the lot. From there, it would have been easy for it to reach a large wooded area behind soccer fields. My son, who had been looking out the passenger window, did not see the cat. In describing the animal to him, I mentioned that it appeared to be "at least" the size of a bobcat (holding out my hands to show a body length of about 3.5 feet), but he correctly pointed out that a bobcat doesn't have a long tail. I also observed that although it was clearly running, it didn't exhibit the frenzied, "all-out" movement of smaller cats. It moved very quickly, yet seemed more relaxed and under control.' I admit that a cougar sighting in Sterling Heights is unlikely, but I can think of no indigenous animal that would match the silhouetted shape I saw. Moreover, we live in an area that connects at various points to the Clinton River, its tributaries, and to Dodge Park. Consequently, it seems possible that wild animals could travel deeply into populated areas while still maintaining a high degree of seclusion."

Sighting from 1977 remembered- cougar identified in Cheboygan
Reported Mon 1/21/2008 4:30 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: November, 1977
Time: 5:00 PM
County: Cheboygan
Location Description: Stoney Creek Flooding Area, 1.5 miles northeast of intersection of M-68 and M-33
Sighting Description:
"My deer hunting partner and I were hunting in a swampy area on a little 150' x 30' dry area with birch trees. For about 45 minutes we could hear a deer stomping in the brush. About 4:45 PM a group of 6-7 grouse came running/flying between me and my partner. There was about 1.5 inches of snow on the ground. I was sitting with my back to two large birch trees. The grouse came from behind me and scurried within 10 feet of me as they went by. In about 15 minutes I could see a large animal following the same route. I was thinking it was a deer that had scented us and was crouching down as it moved by. I did not move as I assumed it would keep going and soon be 10-12' to my right where I could get a shot if it was a buck. It was moving in slow motion and out of the corner of my eye I could see it was large and low to the ground. Out of the side of my eye I looked without turning my head and I could not see any antlers. As the animal moved slowly forward I could see it clearly now without moving my head; I realized it was not a deer as its nose was short. Then it was 10' away with no brush in the way and a perfect white snow back ground. It was a mountain lion!! I would say it was over 4' long with a powerful wide body; color tan with some white around the mouth and chin; with a 3'+ long tail that turned up at the end; maybe 150 pounds. I have hunted deer and birds in Michigan for 45 years now and I am used to staying calm very close to wildlife. Somehow the cougar never saw or smelled me; it continued to follow the smell of those 6-7 grouse. I was ready to shoot if it turned on me. Suddenly, I hear a branch break behind the birch trees from the same direction the cougar had come from. I now was concerned that there was a second cougar behind me and the two birch trees. The cougar in front of me kept going on the bird scent. The animal that broke the branch was a fox following the same scent path. By now the cougar was out of sight in the brush. In about 20 minutes my hunting partner whistled and cover over to my stand. He had not seen the grouse, fox, or cougar. He thought I was crazy until I took him over to the distinct tracks in the snow. We measured the width of the track and it was 5" wide. It did not snow that night and we went back the next morning and followed the tracks for a few hundred yards. We re-measured the width of the track at 5". I thought this sighting might be of interest to you as it shows that cougars may have been in Michigan for decades. I have mentioned this event to DNR personnel through the years and they simply say it must have been a pet someone released. All I know is the cougar looked huge at 10-12 feet away in perfect lighting with a white background. It was not a blurred running sighting. The cougar was moving in extreme slow motion like you see a house cat stalk a robbin in your front yard. I could see the powerful muscles in its legs. From time to time I retell this story to fellow outdoors men. I have had two other hunters tell me they also have seen cougars in this area. I thus believe there are enough cougars that they are breeding in this area since my sighting 30 years ago."

Genesee County- Large Black Feline Sighting
Reported Wed 1/16/2008 10:19 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 1-16-2008
Time: 4:40 PM
County: Genesee
Location Description: Not a cougar, large black melanit cat South end of my home in the swampy wooded area beyond my property, between 30-40 yards away.
Sighting Description:
"I was in my family room which faces South when I was startled by my dog who jumped off the couch and barked deeply as if he was threatened. I looked up to see a very pretty red fox run between my yard and the neighboors heading south into the back 40. We watched intensely as the fox headed around an abandoned horse barn which probably houses much wildlife. As I went to go sit down I noticed the fox trotting quickly back around the horse barn as if something had startled it. It proceeded to head east into a much swampier and dense area of the woods. Once it was out of sight I sat back down and tried to get my dog to relax. He finally got back on the couch with me, but continued to stare in the direction of the action. Between thirty seconds to a minute later my dog barked loudly again startling me, I looked out the window to see a very large and long black cat taking the same path as the fox. As I sat there stunned and my dog freaking out I realized why the fox had turned around so abruptly. The cat I saw was no cougar, it was black for sure and obvious with a snow covered ground.It was about 4 feet long and was very low profile, if I were to guess a weight, maybe 70-80lbs. I now believe the stories I hear about the "Black Panther sitings" I have heard in MI. I later walked the area with a flashlight and a friend to check for tracks. We did find tracks from both animals along with drag marks from the belly of the animal. The paw prints from the cat seemed to be only a little larger than that of my dog who is a 1 year old Chocolate Lab mix 80-90lbs."

Large Black Feline Sighted-
Reported Sun 1/13/2008 10:47 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 01/13/07
Time: 2:30 PM
County: Calhoun
Location Description: farm field between 20 Mile Rd and 19 Mile Rd. between L Drive North and J Drive North
Sighting Description:
"My friend and I were walking my two dogs out in a farm field adjoining woods. We looked in the distance about 50 yards and saw what we believe was a very large black cat. It was as large as my 50 pound dog. It was definitely a feline and all black. I know that if we hadn't had my two dogs with us, we wouldn't have gone any closer to it. It then ran into the woods as we approached."

Barry County- Dowling Michigan Sightings
Reported Tue 1/8/2008 4:38 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 11/05/07
Time: 4:15 pm
County: Barry
Location Description: Dowling Michigan. Dowling Road, about 1/4 mile east of M37 Hwy in a corn field that had been cut down.
Sighting Description:
"My son who was 17 at the time, was walking home from the bus stop. He observed 2 very large cats running across a corn field that had been cut down. He described them as being about 5' long from nose to tail. Color was dark brown. He also noticed their tails were long and curled up to look like a "J". When I called Barry County Sherrif Dept, They did not take it serious. They claimed to have never heard of such animals around here. Then shortly after that, I hear about cougar sightings around Battle Creek Mi. This is just 15 miles south of where my son seen the 2 cougars. The sightings in Battle Creek were whitnesed by a Battle Creek police officer in his back yard, and he said it was appearing to be playing with it's 2 cubs."

Sighting from 2006 remembered- cougar observed
Reported Mon 1/7/2008 4:03 AM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 8/06
Time: evening
County: Monroe
Sighting Description:
"The back half of our ten acre property. The cougar was playing in the hay field, and wasn't afraid of us. We watched it for about 30 minutes and it walked off into a corn field. My daughter and myself seen the same cat walking along the creek up toward our house about a month after the first sighting."

Wayne County- 100+llb feline sighted.
Reported Sat 1/5/2008 2:40 PM to www.savethecougar.org
Date of Observation: 12/24/07
Time: 11:45pm
County: Wayne
Location Description: Hines Drive (Hines Park)... Between Newburgh & Stark Roads..
Sighting Description:
"Heading east on Hines Drive saw a cougar on the right side of the road about 10 yards off of the road.. I would estimate 100-150 pounds.. Near a place formerly known as "Diamond #8" since at one time there was a baseball diamond there. I turned around as did the car in front of me and when we arrived back at the sight, the cougar was gone.. After that, I spent some time researching cougars and also went back the following day to photograph tracks in the snow. Based on what I saw, and what I have read, along with the characteristics of the tracks we saw in the snow, I'm convinced it was in fact a cougar."

click here to

Report all cougar sightings, evidence, reports and rumors regarding cougars in michigan.