Novi, Michigan, August 24, 2025
News Summary
A reported cougar sighting in Novi, Michigan, has garnered significant attention on social media. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed they are monitoring such sightings but indicated that most reports come from the Upper Peninsula. The sighting, described as a smaller juvenile cougar, raises questions about their habitat and presence in the Lower Peninsula, with a call for continued reporting by the public.
Novi, Michigan – A Facebook post claiming a sighting of a cougar in Oakland County is rapidly gaining traction. The sighting was reported by a local resident at the intersection of West Road and West Park Drive near a wetland area, occurring around 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The witness described the animal as a smaller-sized cougar, weighing around 40 pounds with a notable long tail and a black tip, suggesting it could be a juvenile.
Responses to the original Facebook post indicate widespread interest, with several commenters recalling previous cougar sightings in the area. In an effort to document the sighting properly, the woman informed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which actively monitors cougar sightings throughout the state.
The DNR has clarified that while cougar sightings do occur, they are predominantly reported in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The agency noted that there have been recent documented observations near Lansing, but no such reports have yet emerged from the Novi police regarding this particular sighting.
The location of the sightings near a large wetland area raises questions about the viability of this habitat for cougars, as these animals require extensive territories and have specific habitat needs. In 2017, the DNR confirmed the first sighting of a cougar in the Lower Peninsula since the early 1900s, with the last confirmed sighting occurring in January of this year.
A wildlife biologist from the DNR has expressed skepticism regarding the existence of cougars in the Lower Peninsula, emphasizing the demand for substantial evidence to support such claims. Reports indicate a confirmed breeding population of cougars in the Upper Peninsula, especially following a notable discovery of cougar cubs in March.
While cougars have demonstrated their ability to traverse considerable distances, the transition from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula is fraught with challenges due to the physical barriers presented by the land and human development patterns. Residents are encouraged to continue reporting cougar sightings through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field program, which compiles such accounts with caution, given past incidents of hoaxes and unverified claims.
The DNR remains vigilant, carefully assessing reported sightings to maintain an accurate understanding of wildlife within the state while focusing on public safety and awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where was the cougar sighting reported?
The cougar sighting was reported at West Road and West Park Drive in Novi, Michigan.
2. Who reported the sighting?
A woman from Novi reported the sighting on Facebook.
3. What details were provided about the cougar?
It was described as smaller in size, approximately 40 pounds, with a long tail and a black tip, suggesting it might be a juvenile.
4. How does the DNR respond to such sightings?
The DNR encourages individuals to report cougar sightings through their Eyes in the Field program, but they are cautious due to potential hoaxes and unverified claims.
5. Where are most cougar sightings recorded in Michigan?
Most cougar sightings are reported in the Upper Peninsula, with few confirmed in the Lower Peninsula.
Key Features of the Cougar Sighting Post
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West Road and West Park Drive, Novi, Michigan |
| Date of Sighting | Wednesday, approximately 2 p.m. |
| Description of Cougar | Smaller size, long tail with a black tip, weight around 40 pounds |
| DNR Response | Reported to DNR, who track sightings |
| Previous Sightings | Last confirmed sighting in January; first Lower Peninsula sighting in 2017 |
| Habitat | Wetland area potentially suitable for cougars |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cougar Sighting Sparks Debate in Novi, Michigan
Cougar Cubs Spotted in Ontonagon County
Additional Resources
- Click On Detroit: Cougar Sighting in Novi
- Detroit Free Press: Cougar Sightings in Novi
- Patch: Endangered Cougar Sighting Confirmed
- CBS News: Unconfirmed Cougar Sighting in Northville
- Detroit Free Press: Tracking Cougar Sightings in Michigan
- Wikipedia: Cougar
- Google Search: Cougar Michigan
- Google Scholar: Cougar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cougar
- Google News: Cougar Sighting
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
