MARQUETTE, Mich. – Michigan wildlife scientists have confirmed 2025 is now the third consecutive year of record-setting cougar sightings in the state’s Upper Peninsula – and there’s more than a month of the year left to go.

That makes 2025’s cougar sightings the most in a calendar year since humans hunted the species out of existence statewide more than 100 years ago. It’s further proof that residents are more frequently spotting the top feline predators in Michigan’s wildest places .

The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed there have been 26 confirmed cougar sightings in Michigan so far this year, surpassing last year’s record by three.

“We’re excited about the increased sightings,” said Drew Monks, nonprofit Michigan Wildlife Conservancy’s director of wildlife prog

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