MICHIGAN CITIZENS for COUGAR RECOGNITIONMASON County Sightings

02/07/03	Logan Township, ½ W of Masten Road on Lucek
08/03	Sugar Grove and Decker
08-10/03	Observed by Jim and Shirley H. of Fountain
10/03	Observed by Mike P. of Ada
10/03	Observed by Frank K. of Fountain
10/04/03	Fountain, Mason County, Mother and two cubs observed	KITTENS
11/18/03	Portions of sections 35 and 36 on Lakeshore, Collected scat from dunes/sent to lab	PAIR
11/18/03	Sections 35 and 36 at Bass Lake beach, Track photos
06/26/05	S of US-10 on Expressway at Pere Marquette River, Saw twice
04/06	Observed by Doug and Kathy S. of Ludington
07/06/06	Custer Road in Sherman Township
01/25/07	Observed near exit ramp going to Pentwater; ran into woods behind Pentwater Convenience Center
03/09	Renae K and husband observe prints in the snow after seeing a large cougar like animal cross their back yard near Ludington on old 31, about 8 miles south of town

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