MICHIGAN CITIZENS for COUGAR RECOGNITIONNEWAYGO County Sightings

08/13/00	M37 North of Newaygo
04/01/02	M-37 S of White Cloud
09/03	Observed by Terry D. of Fremont
03/15/04	S of Covert on 269 Landmark right on side of 269 E side, Scratching tree
04/04	Observed by Marlene T. of Rockford
10/25/04	½ mile W on M37 on 40th Street 5 miles S of White Cloud
05/18/05	15 minutes N of Ashland on Highway 2
07/01/05	2 ½ miles N of Troy on S Branch Road
10/07/05	N Spruce, N of Baseline behind Sub-Station
2006	Hesperia, Two cougars seen together; person making observation has both a cougar and bobcat mount in his home	KITTENS
03/06/06	Sheridan Township, Green and 64th
03/30/06	Muskegon River
05/03/06	E side of Maple Island Road, ½ mile N of Muskegon County Line, Tracks
07/21/08	M20 Highway from Stone Road in Fremont. Observed crossing in front of vehicle. Two vehicles stopped before hitting it
Unknown	Croton along M-82
Unknown	Croton

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