DICKINSON COUNTY, MI – Officials in the Upper Peninsula is offering a few reminders after multiple cougar encounters were reported in a nature preserve.
Staff at the Fumee Lake Natural Area in Dickinson County said a cougar was seen crossing a trail between Lake Antoine and Fumee Lake last week.
That sighting followed one that occurred a couple weeks ago in the same area. Residents are unsure if it was the same big cat or a different one.
Regardless, officials are taking the opportunity to remind residents of best practices in the event they do encounter a cougar in the wild. Officials have also posted signs at entry gates to inform the public.
- Face the animal and do not act submissive. Stand tall, wave your arms, and talk in a loud voice.
- Never run from a cougar or other large carnivore. If children are present, pick them up so they cannot run.
- If attacked, fight back with whatever is available. Do not play dead.
- Report the encounter to local authorities and the DNR as soon as possible.
Established in 1992, the Fumee Lake Natural Area has over 1,800 acres used in a wide variety of activities including hiking, biking, bird watching and nature photography in the spring, summer and fall and cross-country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter months.