The Michigan Wildlife Conservancy has rediscovered the cougar (Puma concolor) in Michigan. In 2001, this non-profit organization proved the existence of the big cat in the Upper Peninsula with a variety of evidence including tracks, cougar-killed deer, and DNA from scats (droppings).

The Conservancy later proved with DNA and other evidence that cougars exist in the Lower Peninsula counties of Emmet, Presque Isle, Alcona and Roscommon. They are currently tracking cats in a number of other Lower Peninsula counties. Two cougars were actually observed during the fieldwork in Benzie and Roscommon Counties.

In 2004 two cougars were videotaped in Western Monroe County by a citizen. The scale established in the video proved both cats were at least 5 ½ feet long. In September of 2005 the Conservancy confirmed a large cougar killed an adult horse in Jackson County. And on November 26, 2005 a cougar seriously injured a horse in Berrien County, which had to be destroyed.

In April 2006 the Conservancy and Central Michigan University published their research of Michigan’s cougars in the American Midland Naturalist, a peer-reviewed scientific journal of Notre Dame University. This research was the first scientific documentation of a cougar population East of the Great Plains, outside of Florida, in American history.

On October 5, 2006 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reluctantly acknowledged the credibility of Conservancy research that proved Michigan had cougars. However, the DNR maintains the big cats are not wild, resident or breeding in Michigan, instead just released pets or transients from South Dakota.

The Conservancy’s discovery, and subsequent proof, lends credibility to the large number of sightings of cougars in Michigan throughout the 20th century.

Mr. Fijalkowski will present the findings described above, how the cougar needs to be preserved in MI and what you can do to help this effort. He will also attempt to answer all questions about Michigan cougars and public safety after his presentation.

Dennis Fijalkowski has graduate degrees in both Wildlife Ecology and Forestry. He has worked his entire career in the private sector, starting with more than five years at the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. For two years Fijalkowski was a private environmental consultant, his primary client being the Michigan Senate. In 1982 he co-founded the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy and has been the Executive Director since. He also co-founded the Michigan Chapter of The Wildlife Society and the Michigan Wild Turkey Federation. Fijalkowski is active in farmland and open space preservation and moving society towards environmental sustainability.

Wednesday, February 7th, 6:00 p.m. -- Allegan Conservation District, Allegan Area Education Center, 2891 11th Avenue. For information and to RSVP contact Tina Clemons (269) 673-8965 ext. 3.

Saturday, March 17th, 6:00 p.m. – Overisel Reformed Church, Overisel. For information and to RSVP contact Lon Koops, lkoops@macatawa.com.

Thursday, March 29th, 6:00 p.m. – Branch County Conservation District, Coldwater. For information contact Rick Pierson (517) 278-8008 x5, rick.pierson@mi.macdnet.net.

Tuesday, April 24th, 7:00 p.m. – Alpena Audubon Club, Alpena Community Library. For information contact Linda Klemens (989) 727-4703, cklemens@freeway.net