| WHEREAS, | the Michigan Cougar is an endangered species on the Michigan and Federal Endangered Species Lists; |
| WHEREAS, | the Michigan Department of Natural Resources recognizes that Michigan has a small cougar population; |
| WHEREAS, | the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has not determined whether our small cougar population is native or reflects released exotic pets; |
| WHEREAS, | without proper education about living with cougars and protecting livestock, people are afraid of cougars and request government intervention; |
| WHEREAS, | when sighting a cougar, people frequently contact local government units such as police and animal control if they are unable to obtain assistance from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: |
| WHEREAS, | there is current evidence including over 1,200 personal sightings, photographs, film, DNA evidence, car accidents, bone fragments, hair samples, and scat indicating that not all Michigan cougars can be randomly released exotic pets; |
| WHEREAS, | if the Department of Natural Resources considers Michigan cougars as released exotic pets instead of a wild, breeding population, local units of government will carry the brunt of investigating cougar sights; |
| WHEREAS, | investigation of cougar sightings and suspicious livestock kills costs local units of government for personnel investigation hours, public education, veterinary fees, and livestock depradation reimbursement; |
| NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED | that (local unit of government) hereby request the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to recognize the Michigan Cougar as a resident, breeding population, and adopt a species management plan to promote public safety, livestock reimbursement, and investigation procedures. |
