Is it illegal to shoot a mountain lion in Michigan?

Is it illegal to shoot a mountain lion in Michigan?

Wild cougars may not be killed by the public in defense of pets or livestock without a permit from the DNR. However, under the Large Carnivore Act, large cats (including exotics and cougars) that are escaped pets may be destroyed in defense of property, as well as life.

Are mountain lions protected in Michigan?

Michigan mountain lion sightings have increased greatly in the past 3 years. While mountain lions are native to Michigan, their numbers diminished to almost zero by the 1900s. The animals are protected by state law as an endangered species.

Is it legal to shoot a bobcat in Michigan?

Residents who intend to harvest bobcat, otter, fisher, or marten must request and be issued free kill tags for those species. The kill tag must be replaced by an official DNR seal at a registration station.

Are there cougars in Leelanau County?

The Michigan Wildlife Conservancy has released results of an investigation that confirms a cougar was photographed near the south shore of Glen Lake in Leelanau County. Jerome Wiater and his adult son, Christian, observed what they believed to be a cougar (mountain lion) at about 3:30 p.m. on a clear, sunny day.

What can I do about a cougar on my property?

Seal open areas under structures like porches, sheds and decks that can provide shelter for cougars or their prey. Install lighting or motion-sensor lighting in dark areas around the home to deter cougars and other wildlife.

Do they have black panthers in Michigan?

There is no one distinct species of wild cat called a black panther. I, like many, have been very skeptical over the years about the existence of these cats living in Michigan. The DNR does not recognize that the cat lives or much less thrives in Michigan at all.

Are there cougars in the UP of Michigan?

Upper Peninsula seeing increased cougar reports over past three years. The number of confirmed cougar sightings in Michigan continued a three-year trend of increases. There were 11 sightings in 2019 and 15 in 2020, which the DNR attributes to an increased use of trail cameras.

Can you use snares in Michigan?

Because old-fashioned snares only functioned in a lethal manner, snaring was banned in Michigan. But with the modern cable snare and its potential for holding animals alive and unharmed, the snare has been reinstituted as a legal device for Michigan’s trappers taking fox and coyote.

Is it legal to shoot fox in Michigan?

Game species and furbearers, including deer, bear, beaver, fox and rabbit, are protected by state law and require a DNR permit for their removal. Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, ground squirrel and feral swine can also be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license.

Are there big cats in Michigan?

Michigan has a small population of cougars or mountain lions. The majestic big cats roam the entire state, they are occasionally seen in cities and the suburbs. A little more frequently in wooded rural areas. If you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse, snap a picture and share it on social media.

How big are bobcats in Michigan?

2 to 3.5 feet long
Bobcats are smaller than cougars but larger than domestic cats, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Their bodies range from 2 to 3.5 feet long, their tails are about 6 inches long and they weigh up to 40 pounds.

Is there a mountain lion in Lower Michigan?

This week the Michigan DNR confirmed the first mountain lion sighting in the Lower Peninsula since the big cat went extinct from the state, around the turn of the century.

Is it legal to kill a mountain lion in Indiana?

Fight back if attacked using big sticks, stones or any other available items. The mountain lion in Indiana is protected as an exotic mammal. State law allows a resident landowner or tenant to kill a mountain lion while it is causing damage to property owned or leased by the landowner or tenant.

Are there any mountain lions in Clay County?

The only confirmed mountain lion reports were in fall 2009 in southern Clay County and spring 2010 in northern Greene County. It is not known if these reports were the same animal, but their proximity makes it possible they were. The DNR receives many mountain lion reports through this system.