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| Currently, the Michigan Cougar is listed on the Federal Endangered Species List and the State of Michigan's Endangered Species List. It is illegal to harass, injure, or kill an endangered species, with the sole exception of immediate harm to human life. ANYONE who tells you different is WRONG! There are exceptions to the Act to address nuisance animals, but special application and permits are required from the DNR. |
| If the DNR refuses to issue you a written kill permit, do not act on a verbal approval. The Michigan Endangered Species Act, Section 324.36506 authorizes any law enforcement officer, police officer, sheriff's deputy, or conservation officer to enforce the Endangered Species Act. So, even if the DNR Conservation Officer verbally gives you permission to kill a cougar, the sheriff or local police officer may arrest and prosecute you. Be safe, get it in writing. |
| Violation of the Federal and Michigan Endangered Species Acts is considered a misdemeanor. The penalty is up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine of not more than $10,000 (State) and $100,000 (Federal). Section 324.36507. |
| The DNR states the following in respect to the cougar's protected status, "Cougars or large exotic cats that are a direct and immediate threat to human life may be killed. If an animal is killed, the incident must be reported to the DNR. The DNR will respond to reports of cougars/large cats in residential or urban areas, if physical evidence is available. If animals are judged to be a threat to human life and safety, conservation officers or other qualified DNR employees may remove or euthanize the animal." DNR Website |
| Yet, the Department of Natural Resource's position is always unique. For example, DNR Supervisor Mike Bailey, made the following statement to the Michigan Animal Control Officers Association in late September, 2006. Mr. Bailey told the group that the only reason that Michigan put the cougar on the State endangered species list is to be comparable with the Federal list that contained the cougar. He said that because the Federal government now lists Michigan's cougars as expirated (no longer existent), there is no reason for them to remain on the Michigan Endangered Species List. His rationale appears rather circular and unique. |
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SYNOPSIS |
| ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST |
| MICHIGAN ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST |
| MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES RULES |
| MORE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES RULES |
| PROSECUTION - PET OR WILD COUGAR |
PET PROHIBITION |
| COUGAR MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS |
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DNR Cougar and Large Exotic Cat Response Guidelines Draft - 05/01/07 |
| Michigan Wildlife Conservancy |
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Michigan Citzens for Cougar Recognition |
| U.S. FISH/WILDLIFE DIVISION - GREAT LAKES |
