DISCOVERING | Cougars in the U.P. | Arctic Grayling Stocked in U.P. Waters

[@jarvisskooge8602]

I deer hunted at Wilderness State park in 2005 for 7 days (west of Mackinaw)… I saw cougar tracks & scat in several places along the beaches & shoreline. They’ve been in the L.P. for a while.

[@FryingTiger]

Sightings as far South as Berrien Counry around that time frame.

[@billhowe6180]

All those years the DNR said they were not there,

[@sirwinston2368]

I flew into Kalispell, MT to hike the Bob Marshall Wilderness. 1995? The locals told me to carry a gun. I said I wasn't too concerned about the grizzlies. They said the gun wasn't for the grizzlies; it was for the mountain lions! Well, I survived. Doesn't hurt to be careful... with a sidearm if necessary.

[@Jayjay-ji7ty]

Cougars are further north than that I've 3 in the last 10yrs in Ontario! Even tho the mnr has said there is none

[@uprebel5150]

In February of 2018 I saw cougar tracks in the Eastern UP. I went the local MDNR office and they told me to keep my mouth shut as to not startle the public. That instantly told me that cougars were definitely in the UP.

[@mtman2]

They're afraid of SSS policg with the large predators OUR wise ancestors eliminated for good reason...! Same as the big city needing to get rid of the Bloods, Crips & MS-13's

[@janmckittrick1068]

In the 1990s I was getting bear bait in michigan , I visited a mtn.lion farm in mich the guy was crossing them with lions a hybred cat...I'm sure some mtn lions/ cats escaped or let loose...

[@mtman2]

Bigfoots too huh...lol

[@FryingTiger]

DNR is full of shite.

[@davidguelette7036]

My father in law (now deceased)says that he saw a cougar at less than 20 yards along the Au Sable River in the late 1950s.

[@lungbustercrnvr1384]

Time fer a Mountain Lion Season, oh yea, by the way, another WOLF SEASON!

[@TucoDog-ho6fw]

The reintroduction of wolves in Idaho has been a disaster. The feds in charge of that operation obviously have deep pockets and persist with bullying Fish and game into lying about the numbers and even about the damage done to livestock. Just another example of corruption in the federal level. Wolves were eradicated for a reason. Bringing them back as one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen.

[@talesoftheinlandseas5063]

Wolf season, maybe. The numbers are getting close. However, we have nowhere near enough cougars in the state. Most of the ones we see are males that wander in from the west. There are some residents, but only a very few, and probably none in the lower peninsula. For there to be a cougar season, we need to be seeing them a hell of a lot more.

[@davidcudlip6587]

If it wasn't for a federal judge who never stepped foot in the U.P. or could even find it on a map. you'd still have a wolf season. Typical federal oversight run a-muck.

[@trumpsagenius6914]

News flash cougar been spotted in Canton Mi back around 2008 also been livestock attacks recorded in southern mi

[@jamesfischer5389]

A friend has 125 acres near Republic, and has gotten a few trail cam pics of a Large Cat stalking his woods! Some Moose pics too! Love The Channel! 💜☮️🧤

[@NormWegner]

Yes, great photo and video. They are truly beautiful and powerful animals. I am near Amasa/Crystal Falls MI. I have photos of big cat tracks in the snow. We have an old, vacant barn on the property in which a large animal dragged a deer carcass into it. I felt a cougar had done this. Great program!

[@anton1949]

Used to hunt that area, friend has a camp .5 miles south of Split Rock then east 1 mile. Good times.

[@dennisschultz9180]

You can see the power of that cat a killing machine. It changes the way a person feels about the Northwoods when alone and the shadows start dancing in your mind.

[@PavelDatsyuk-ui4qv]

Should've covered the kitty wandering around the soo the oast few years. Ontario has a mountain lion population and its a stones throw from michigan .

[@DFox-ud3gx]

Cougars I've seen pictures from back in 2007 near Indian lake off rt.2 Wolves too crossing the road. Best living ever

[@timberdoodle6924]

I lived in the UP in 1990 91 92 Locals saw Cougars when out and about back then - seems like the DNR was the only one who didnt acknowledge their presence

[@kevinburkowski6566]

Ya that's before trail cams they can't deny it now have a friend owns property in Whittemore Prescott in the lower and he had pics of one on his property he had half dozen different bucks and they disappeared off his cameras several days later he started getting pics of a big cougar if your a deer hunter they will screw up your hunting big time

[@tomcatt998]

Seen one on the ski trail in escanaba

[@timberdoodle6924]

@@tomcatt998 wish I'd been with u Apex predator interaction is A+ excitement!

[@anthonygood7320]

They are in southern Michigan to glad they finally are admitting they are here for years they said they weren't here even after all the pictures

[@thomas9565]

Was told they reintroduced them in 1991 by a guy that worked for the state. Not sure how true that was but it makes sense they’ve been lying about it for years. That’s not even close to the total cougar sightings. Most people aren’t turning them in. I’ve seen quite a few the last few years. They’re getting pretty ballsy too. Coming right up to peoples houses, etc.

[@dennisslattery499]

In 1998, while working at MBP Power house 5 tradesmen and I watched a Cougar cross a fence line behind their Trustee area. It was a large beautiful creature and I thanked our maker for such a beautiful experience ! I’ve seen a lot of amazing things fishing the small streams in da UP!

[@brooktrout1477]

Coolest thing while brooktrout fishing, a mink swam right between my legs

[@dennisslattery499]

@@brooktrout1477 I would have be startled! While relying under a lone pine on the Jumbo A mature bald eagle landed 10’ directly above me, and it was a beautiful day!

[@trajan6927]

"12 miles outside of Mackinaw City stopped in a bar to have a brew." "Suddenly I saw young hawk flying and my soul began to rise" Bob Segar, Roll Me Away.

[@davidvogel2592]

One of the best shows yet.

[@deangrande7207]

I found one about 10 years ago , we dated for a few years .

[@charlesronk2989]

I was deer hunting by the Ford river on paper company land back in the mid 1990's. There was an all tan super huge cat coming towards me. I thought for sure it was a cougar. When it got close I noticed it had a bobbed tail. It must have been a monstrous Lynx. It was the same size and color as a cougar.

[@davidchrisman855]

My wife had a cougar cross on US 2 back in 1998 on her way from Manistique where we lived and she was headed west towards Esky. A nice couple we were close to from Church lived across from 😅Indian Lake outside of Manistique and they saw and had them run up from the woods and take chickens off their neighbors back porch and that too was on the 1990’s. If you can get your hands on a 1996 or maybe 1997 hunting guide, that was the first year they added cougars to the can not shoot/kill listing and it was very low key. Asked the 2 local wardens for the state in the earlier 90’s and they would argue that there were no cougars in the UP but I had several National Forest Workers for friends from the Manistique and Esky offices and several said they weee aware of some cougars and found tracks but the DNR didn’t want to say they were there because of how much trouble it would Cause them because they would Be a protected species and the recreational use of public/state/national forest areas.

[@turtletruth]

I have news for you, there are plenty of cougars in Remus, Michigan! Two cougars jumped across the road in front of me!

[@orangetabby2012]

Please, my family has over 100 acres in Algers, Michigan (LP) and we have teail cam footage of cougars

[@RoadLifePursuits]

Cool videos....I only bow hunt and always have a gun on me. I hope I never run into one of these in the dark :)

[@u.p.mi.woodsman5066]

Born and raised Newberry I can tell you I have had couple times where I've seen them lucky enough I was in the car other time I was on top of a roof stay safe

[@danperry3116]

We have been seeing cougars in lower Michigan for a couple of decades.

[@jasonasselin]

Been seeing a cougar on the beach 5 miles north of Agate Beach.. Same one I bet.

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

Shit,i saw one by the bridge in Benton Harbor driving home one night .I didnt believe it myself,but i watched that thing make its way down from the highway to the riverbank.They are a big cat that can survive cold weather,its crazier to think they wouldnt be all over the place in Michigan.

[@mjc4942]

I believe I saw one in lower Michigan about 15 years ago. It was dark and it was a big cat with a big tail.

[@zafotbeeb]

The big cats have been in the sceney swamp since I was a kid and I am79 now. So it is not a new thing.

[@ronlongsdorf184]

Seen a cougar in crystal falls Michigan in 1974 when I was 10 years old

[@jeffmatthews3798]

Sylvania (Watersmeet) was a favorite stomping ground late 90’s to early 2000’s. I talked to several USFS personnel who had seen them crossing frozen lakes. I’ve spent plenty of time looking for tracks.

[@davidcudlip6587]

I had a flat tire repaired by a mechanic in Watersmeet that told me he had a trail cam picture of a cougar near his deer stand back in 2010. He showed it to the DNR and they told him there weren't any in the U.P. He knew then that they were either clueless or lying. It was near the Sylvania Wilderness area. I grouse hunt in the area and have seen wolves a few times, but no large cats.

[@annroat6996]

Cougar sat down 20 ft from our house and stared at us. This was Genesee county 2022

[@mikest.pierre8603]

No trail cam pix of kittens yet or pups ir whatever. No immature cougars yet. Might be breeding here. We shall see. 1 thing for sure. With wolves and cougars. I will NOT be in the woods without a firearm....

[@frugal4twenty202]

This is old news in my family, and were in the upper lower. They love to post up on bait piles, beware!

[@ravenfeather7087]

The thing about cougars is that they are so quiet the first warning about what is about to happen is the human feels a breath of warm air on the back of his or her neck.

[@terrymartin2514]

Grew up in the cadillac area.There were many locals saw them going back to the early 70s..DNR said no way for years.Now live in SW mich and been several sightings and trail cam picks in the last 5 years or so.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

My Mom & sister had one land on their car hood during a snow storm. This was app 1971 in the Eastern UP. They were on their way home , going down a side road, during this storm( blizzard).

[@mountainman3226]

I saw a similar sized print 25 years ago in the snow in the woods I hiked. I wish I called DNR then.

[@jimc4839]

I have been to john mellons cougar camp. Cougars are mysteriously beautiful.

[@InTheYear]

Appreciate you sharing this amazing content!

[@dougcook6110]

I was x-country sking SBNP in the early 2000s, and as I was packing up an NP Ranger pulled up, and we talked quite a while. I asked him if he'd ever seen a couger, he replied "Absolutely " I asked if the DNR had seen any, he said "Heck yeah" I asked why they deny it and he said both the NP and DNR didn't have funding to start a public awareness program. And since couger numbers were so low, they weren't very concerned.

[@robertkaspert4092]

From someone who lives in Southeast Michigan I truly enjoyed your video thank you.

[@rabbithomesteading3797]

Same with south west! :D

[@j.vasquez-bs4yo]

This has been an absolute frustrating issue with the DNR here in Michigan for decades. We as local residents have been reporting sitting, tracks and even attacks on horses And livestock. But they refused to believe it or denied it. I grew up in Southern Michigan and in the early 2000s we reported a sighting, and found tracks in the mud to DNR and they said it wasn't a cougar. A few days later a horse was attacked and had claw marks but they again denied it.

[@mtman2]

lol..... as is said "REALITY BITES"

[@meghanhinde9796]

Was that somewhere north of Hemlock. The reason I ask is because I was at Mickeys snowmobile yard buying parts and a gal was in there telling about her horse being attacked by what she thought was a lion. Probably about 7 or 8 years ago. Maybe Freeland, bullock creek area. Anyway, just curious.

[@rodberens4741]

Mother-in-law seen one in her backyard 1995 ish Clare mi .

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

Saw one dead on the side of I-93 in central NH on July 4, 2022. I should have stopped and taken pictures of it. I talked to a local game warden who insisted they don’t exist in New Hampshire. We’ll I know the truth.

[@ravenfeather7087]

When I was in high school I developed, just for fun, a scream that I thought sounded like a cougar scream and one night went out to a parking spot where there were several cars parked with the windows all steamed up. I let out a couple screams and yep, on came the lights and away they went. Lots of talk about cougars the next few days.

[@securethebag1613]

I'm in st ignace right now (from metro atlanta). This region of the country is unbelievable!

[@discovertheup]

Keep traveling west, it gets even better!

[@JasonDowd-n4m]

Been face to face with one in SE MN bow hunting I think we both were freaked out 😳😐

[@KUEHLKUEST]

We came across cougar tracks while hiking pictured rocks last year. J & C

[@senorboardhead]

Carry a gun. Travel with friends.

[@garywood2137]

I saw one while driving from KI Sawyer AFB to Marquette one evening back in 1989. I was with three others, and we all saw it. They have been in the U.P. for a long time.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

I remember app. 15 years ago the DNR being quoted as saying the cougars are just " passing" through Michigan, from the West. Hell, they have been seen here in West Lower Michigan for at least 20 years.

[@northwoodstrapper8778]

Me and a buddy almost hit one just outside of Moran about 35 yrs ago. We were about 20 foot from it when it jumped across 123. My dad didn’t believe us but there was no mistaking it.

[@davidtimmermann7226]

Not seen any in the UP, but have seen one in Northern Wisconsin between Tipler and Florence mid -1990's

[@zacharypotvin6579]

Think of how many you DONT see. Creepy. Keep an eye out for them cats.

[@jackvoss5841]

There was a cougar about 1 mile east of Haslett MI three years ago. Farming territory. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@ralphbernieri3362]

Another COOL video, thank you, and Keep up the good work!

[@tonykaras5975]

Seen one in the early 80's on hwy 35 heading back to K.I Saywer after bow hunting

[@northernbassalliance1442]

We saw one in the early 2000s in Clare county right in front of our car out in the boonies where I grew up. Deer in the road acting weird we were creeping towards it then it ran off and the cat jumped down in the road stopped sniffed around then ran into the woods the way the Deer went. DNR said it was confirmed cougar tracks but as of right now at that time they weren't openly admitting there were cougars in Mi.

[@robinflint6100]

I had a co worker who took pictures of cougars in the mid 90s south of Gwinn, the DNR wouldn't acknowledge the cougers back then even with photgraphic evidence, the deer population between crystal falls and Covington this year is non existent, I'm giving up on deer hunting in the upper peninsula due to the wolves and cougars

[@ravenfeather7087]

Probably all dead due to CWD because baiters just cannot find a deer any other way. But in truth the biggest factor is probably the maturing of our forests. Good deer habitat has gone down the tubes.

[@robinflint6100]

@@ravenfeather7087 where I hunt is one of the largest logging areas this side of the Mississippi, tons of clear cuts and browse, I lived down state where the first cwd case's were found in Michigan and it didn't effect the population at all, ehd in 2012 on the other hand wiped the population out, the locals in my area of the upper peninsula who have hunter the area for several generations say it's the wolves and couger, the deer population just doesn't disappear in a years time without a harsh winter, which hasn't happened in year's, all the locals know it's the wolves and the DNR at fault, I just won't buy any deer tags, like the other half of million hunter's that have opted out of deer hunting because of the mismanagement of the DNR

[@leannkennedy6568]

Come hunt in Gratiot County. Specifically, Alma, Ithaca, Saint Louis, and the surrounding area. There are hundreds, if not thousands.

[@billanzell5962]

Scary nothing worse than a big cat that has got its eyes on you.

[@Watchingtheparadegoby]

I saw cougar tracks in Engadine back in the 70's. Just moved back to Barry county recently after a out 40 some years. Ive seen 2 cougars in Macon County Tn Tennessee. They have always been in Michigan and in Tennessee. They are normally pretty nocturnal and avoid people. Since trail cams there have been more sightings all over the Eastern part of the country.

[@billkitchin4123]

Cougars have been in northern lower michigan for a long long time.

[@timolexsey341]

Once trail cameras became cheaper in price I guess people finally have to admit to what people have been saying since the 70s but according to the dnr they say 2008 .I'm Gaylord area and the state land I but up to 7yrs ago i heard one and its a voice in the night you will never forget

[@robbourn7379]

Wondering if the bear hunters dogs ever tree any cougars in the U.P. ? Maybe bear dogs wouldn't run cats , not sure.

[@PavelDatsyuk-ui4qv]

I've heard a few people stop running dogs from wolves taking them in the east end

[@makingmemorieswithmichigan1368]

I'm waiting in anticipation for the episode to start here on the KZbin!

[@michaelmancini5679]

Thank you for sharing! Michael Mancini, Rochester Hills NMU 81’ BS MUCC life member

[@michaelpoling2652]

In 1967 i saw one in saginaw lived on hosptil and mc arty rd back then there was a sand pit near there which is now a park

[@bruceallen6377]

very cool video! Several years back there was a cougar hit on a highway in Connecticut. I read this article in a conservation magazine. But you can go online and check it out for yourself if you don't believe me. They trace the DNA of the cat from DNA from mountain lions in South Dakota. he was a long way from home! it sucks for the deer hunters, I read that mountain lions can eat up to 40 deer a year. In an area where there's not many deer to begin with that can really devastate a population!

[@mtman2]

Yes and far far far worse is having wolves which have no other purpose but kill & eat up everything basically free agent game animal outlaw poachers Esp of the young...! Same for black bear tho they are kept thinned down by hunting...!

[@outdooradventures7742]

So excited for this episode!

[@johnkelley2615]

Saw a full grown Cougar in 2003 near Sceney

[@shawnallen2746]

With the cougars, wolfs,bigfoots and dogman in Michigan the deer population may be in trouble?

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

That and the 12 tags a person

[@shawnallen2746]

That's a fact

[@tokenfinn]

The Otter River is in Houghton County.

[@MrTeamzud]

Both of my sister have seen Cougars in their area, one by Orangeville (near Wayland MI) and one in Scotts Mi (near Galesburg MI) this was several years ago. Believe or not it's up to you. I believe it

[@coldspring624]

The main takeaway , the last, habitat loss, unregulated, over fishing. We have a wonderful balance of woods and water in the U.P , be slow to judge the predators. Be quick to strive to strike the balance needed to allow all that walk our woods and swim our water to flourish.

[@Sunshinexoxo4795]

Thank you kindly for providing your post It is correct. 👁️👁️👏👏🐈👌👌👌

[@SuperGiantGeckosLLC]

My fav kitty.

[@FordDude66]

In 1987 a friend and myself was driving to work from Escanaba to Hermansville and a cougar ran across the highway in front of us between Hyde and Bark River in Delta county.

[@larryharris1163]

Everthings fine, the preditors don't hurt nothing much. They have to eat too. That's what the Deer are for, to feed the Wolves and Cougars. DNR has it under control. Texas borders fine too!

[@allenlarabie8854]

We spotted them here as well in Northeastern Ontario Canada

[@Njennings42]

What is that beautiful song at the start of this video? I am a michigan native and wow that speaks to my heart.

[@discovertheup]

It is the "Discovering" show theme song. It was written for the show. I think it's been the song since the 80's! But don't quote me on that one. I've been meaning to check

[@JOHNSMITH-hi2zr]

Darren lower Michigan two people my neighbors got them caught on his camera in Lyons Michigan independency in several different parts of lower Michigan and don't like a DNR full you they're the ones that put them here in Michigan

[@tammybarrett7650]

Where there's DEER ,theres mountain lions /cougars 🦁 👍✅️💯🇺🇸

[@davidpeightal4918]

I am glad the young man is not letting this stop him or slow him down. Young men like him in the West grow up with mt. lions in the woods around them every time they go to the woods. It’s just part of everyday life. It’s Always fun to see the tracks.

[@russellwolter5153]

It's a shame the DNR killed all those Grayling by dumping them in water that they have not adjusted too. Just like fish tank fish, shocked them to death. Great video otherwise. Thank you.

[@rabbithomesteading3797]

Very cool!

[@insertnamehere313]

When you have a cougar sighting in the lower peninsula and report it to the DNR..the DNR tell you it wasn't a cougar even if you have photographs or videos. Why are the DNR doing this to folks I wonder.

[@brooktrout1477]

A few years ago I took a picture of a track, sent it to the dnr , they said no cougars

[@LadyYoop]

This was stunning. Wow....Just imagine....and yes...how many times did the cat watch him, and think SNACK? Holy wha....amazing!

[@robertruck5501]

The canyons north of Chatham is prime cougar range. And hundreds of wolves.

[@d.c-jr8015]

Wait until this youngman realizes that a cougar is the smallest hunter in that there woods. Some people, the honest people, along with the Native Americans, call it "OLD SASQUATCH." Don't worry, you won't get one on a trail cam. You will definitely know it's nothing your dad, ĵ c friends will tell u about. They are too cowardly to admit the Lord's Truth. Just be respectful, and please don't try to shoot one.

[@larrya7822]

Since they have no predator's to kill them ( Cougars ) they will multiply very fast ! Our ancestors got rid of them for a reason !

[@markhufnagel2744]

These big cats have been here a long time ! But with all the loud noisy people tromping through they run and hide , if you are super sneaky you will see a cougar , because i got with in ten feet of a cougar and it took off and ran away it did not want to be near me ! LOL!! AND THIS AINT BULL SHIT !!

[@rodger603]

I'm sure there in Ohio. There all around us!

[@geraldstager9591]

While touring the upper peninsula in 1979 near the Porcupine Mountains a Cougar crossed the road in front of me and my friend. Later relating this to a DNR agent .he said no way.

[@roberttaylor8261]

Yea Don’t take Arctic Grayling to eat we. Just want you to buy license an waist-time fishing to let them go free! DNR is a joke in MI

[@RamBo-uu9so]

People get pet cougars and when the cougar gets to big and wild .....they let it go into the wild instead of being put down.

[@trumpsagenius6914]

I use to hunt the u.p back in the 80's90's never seen a cougar but bigfoot is real I'll leave it at that

[@CoryGames1400]

we have had cougars up here longer than any of us have been here lol this is not news lol

[@alanjohnson2613]

Its funny how the dnr has denied it for years and also many people.