Cougar at phurgus'

Critter at the phurgus manse April 6, 2008.

FYI...DNR and this group: http://www.michigancougar.com/ are coming out today (4/8) to take a look around and calibrate with my camera for sizing.

We're still pretty sure what we're seeing in the pics/vids is a mountain lion/cougar. But, with such a large range (estimates at 15 square miles plus) and the prevalence of deer in the area, I doubt we'll see him/her again and I doubt we'll have any issues.

I didn't realize that so many people had seen this...but have gotten a few emails to the effect of "shoot it! shoot it!"...and just want to reiterate that shooting it is not the plan at all. These guys really do a lot of good...and all we want is confirmation so we can take adequate precautions with our critters (horses, pony, dogs, child).

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• cougar
• michigan

[N20LT4]

That's an oversized, ferril domestic cat. Period. Definitely not a mountain lion. I live in Petaluma,CA and have seen 3 in my 26 years, and that's definitely not one.

[BuddyRoo07]

I've seen a few in my day too--in Wyoming and Colorado. Which is why I was really unsure about this guy...however, it appears that it may have been a juvenile. DNR did come out and investigate and says that it's definitely NOT a house cat, too big for a bobcat, and not a cougar. MCCR rep says it was a juvenile. That would explain the smaller size. Unfortunately, with compression, it is not as easy to see some of the details (such as the tail) in the youtube video.

[Yeahdude20]

a tiny chihuahua like animal???

[13fps13]

Do you people even know what a cougar is?

[Yeahdude20]

tipped ears proves its a bobcat

[NobleAffaire]

In my state (not Michigan) it's only legal to kill a mountain lion if it's attacking or showing aggressive behavior. Some may say, it's too late by then - but if it's minding it's own business, why shoot it?

These are gorgeous animals who deserve to live, too.

If it is a threat (but not aggressive) to your horses, family, or any people you can probably have it relocated IF it's found. (big if there considering their territory range!)

[casketcrusher]

excellent, great video and photos, just more proof that the Michigan cougar is making a comeback! and for the "shoot it shoot it" crowd, you're god damned despicable. We should be doing everything we can to protect these animals. Your whole "if its brown its down" backwoods redneck attitude is a disgrace to self respecting Michigan hunters everywhere.

[NobleAffaire]

Saw your posting on COTH and HorseCity. I don't post there myself, but yes, that looks like it is a mountain lion. Best to keep the horses away.