Michigan wildlife experts say 2025 marks the third straight year of record cougar sightings in the Upper Peninsula – with more than a month still left in the year.

So far, the D-N-R has confirmed 26 sightings, topping last year’s total and marking the most seen in a single year since cougars were wiped out in Michigan over a century ago.

Wildlife officials say the rise shows the big cats are returning to some of the state’s wildest areas… and they’re excited about the increased sightings.

In fact, M-Live reports D-N-R data shows sightings have steadily climbed over the past six years.