MICHIGAN CITIZENS for COUGAR RECOGNITIONGRATIOT County Sightings

1960s	Terrie S saw a cougar in Ithaca while driving at night down through the Woodland Park, just a little north of the Ithaca Cemetery.
1967	Woman who lived west of Ithaca on Rich Road heard a commotion and a large flock of birds flew out from the trees. There was a loud thump of something landing on the ground. Upon investigation, there were feline tracks photographed next to paper plates to show their size
02/99	Between Shepard and Alma just west of Old US 27 - a large black cat, 40-60 pounds, observed walking along the edge of a farm field	BLACK
10/13/05	Just N of Alma and m-46 on US 27 near Mile Marker 144/145
11/14/07	US 27 - Crossing field into a drainage ditch
10/11/11	Brian C of Elwell saw a big black cat at 15' while bow hunting. Cat almost jumped on top of him while walking back to his truck at 6:45 p.m. Estimated size of 80-100 pounds. Sheriffs Department called	BLACK

Using information compiled by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, it was determined that approximately 50% of anecdotal reports (as listed below), can be classified as probable or verified. Reports by the public, when carefully screened for reliability, and used in conjunction with other information and evidence, can aid in assessing population status. Thank you to the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Retired DNR Forester Mike Zuidema, and the media for this valuable research information.



DENISE N. MASSEY