what animals live in the upper peninsula of michigan what animals live in the upper peninsula of michigan

[16] Historically, the last of the species, or subspecies, was extirpated near Newberry in 1906, although there have been sightings of the creatures over the years since. In Michigan black bears, gray wolves and cougars should be indicators of the healthy state of the ecosystem. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. There are 19 other public use airports with a hard surface runway. Its lowest elevation is along the shoreline of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, averaging 577 feet (176m) above sea level. WebMichigan's swamps have red and silver maples, cedars, balsams, willows, alders, black ash, elms, and dogwoods. Karner Blue Butterfly Identified by its purple-bluish wings and strange yellow spots, Karner blue is native to the Great Lakes states and the larger Midwest. The survey estimated 136 packs roam the peninsula in Michigans far north, with an average of four to five animals in each. Visit the grants home page by clicking on the button above, or view a specific area of interest below: Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. A few reasons for the decline include habitat loss, pesticide use, and disturbances by humans, but by far, the greatest reason is white-nose syndrome, a strange fungal disease that interrupts the bats natural hibernation cycle. [11], The Keweenaw Peninsula is the northernmost part of the peninsula (not counting Isle Royale, which is politically part of the UP). Wolverines were once commonly seen across Michigan, but by the early 1800s, their numbers had decreased significantly due to hunting and habitat loss. Covering some 10,000 acres of hardwood forests and shorelines, it is home to one of Michigans largest remaining populations of piping plovers, plus many of the aforementioned wild animals. They are all black with two red triangles that form an hourglass on the underside of their abdomen. WebAccording to estimates, approximately 12,000 black bears currently live in Michigan. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909 (517-284-9453). Amid the 40,000 acres of winding hiking trails and scenic falls, visitors can find moose, bears, rodents, and deer here as well. Their blood is poisonous to humans when consumed raw. We administer grants that enable our local partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety. Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats in Michigan, including woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and even urban areas. Lake Superior has the greatest effect on the area, especially the northern and western parts. [32] Because of the howling storms across Lake Superior, which cause dramatic amounts of precipitation, it has been said that the lake-effect snow makes the Keweenaw Peninsula the snowiest place east of the Rockies. In Michigan, the Southern Lower Peninsulas bobcat shooting season runs from January 1 to January 11. However, there was an armed conflict known as the Toledo War with the state of Ohio over the location of their mutual border. The four counties that border Wisconsin are also in the Central Time Zone, unlike the rest of Michigan, which is on Eastern time. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to Traverse City on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a federally protected area composed of forests, beaches, dunes, and ancient glacial features. The Easter Massasauga Rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in Michigan. There are a total of 18 snakes in Michigan. All of the higher areas are the remnants of ancient peaks, worn down over millions of years by erosion and glaciers. Coyote Use the button above to visit the hunting home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Find ORV license and permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. This makes identification easy. Several prominent legislators, including the region's long-serving state representative Dominic Jacobetti, attempted unsuccessfully to gain passage of such a bill in the 1970s. Michigan Because of the highly seasonal climate and the short growing season, agriculture is limited in the Upper Peninsula, though potatoes, strawberries and a few other small fruits are grown. Paper Wasp stings can be painful and cause redness and swelling. The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority operates car ferries in its area. [69][70] The peninsula has extensive coastline on the Great Lakes, large tracts of state and national forests, cedar swamps, more than 150 waterfalls, and low population densities. If you are bitten by one, it is best to visit a doctor immediately. However, these spiders are venomous. [34], The banana belt along the Wisconsin border has a more continental climate since most of its weather does not arrive from the lakes. If you do come across one, back away slowly without making any sudden movements this will give both parties time to get out safely! The sandstone was used in many buildings, both locally and around the United States.[67]. [65][66], From approximately 1870 to 1915, about 32 quarries mined Jacobsville Sandstone in the Upper Peninsula, particularly near Marquette and the community of Jacobsville. [20] As late as January 2007, the DNRE's official position was that no cougars lived in Michigan. The Brook Trout is actually part of the salmon family, making it not technically a trout. These rattlesnakes have heart-shaped heads, vertical pupils, and thick bodies. Wolves are carnivores and primarily eat deer but will also eat smaller mammals like rabbits and rodents. Meet the Largest Bear Ever Caught in Michigan - MSN Similar to Brown Recluse Spiders, Black Widows are dangerous, because they are venomous. Other reasons why animals may be going extinct or becoming endangered in Michigan include climate change, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, disease outbreaks, and hybridization with other related species. Scarlet kingsnakes pattern is an example of Batesian mimicry. The television program Finland Calling was for a long period the only Finnish-language television broadcast in the United States; it aired on Marquette station WLUC-TV from March 25, 1962, until March 29, 2015. The most common type of snake found in Michigan is the garter snake, which prefers moist environments near bodies of water or damp areas under logs or rocks. WebPorcupines currently inhabit Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the northern part of our Lower Peninsula. NEW! The most dangerous mammals in Michigan, or just any predators in general, are probably wolves and black bears. Indiana Bat Native to southern Michigan, the Indiana bat is a medium-sized mouse-eared species. The repopulation of wolves in this region has occurred naturally as they have expanded their territory. Two ferry companies run passenger ferries from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Four of them have been detected in the state and the fifth one is just one you should know the symptoms of. They whistle to each other to warn of approaching danger! The sparsely populated northern half of the state is rich in all kinds of forest-dwelling wildlife and shorebirds. The Polyphemus moth doesnt and can't eat, except when it's a caterpillar! Marie, Michigan Technological University in Houghton, and Northern Michigan University in Marquette), one private university (Finlandia University located in Hancock, Michigan, on the Keweenaw Peninsula), and five community colleges (Bay Mills Community College in Brimley, Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba and Iron Mountain, Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, and Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College in Baraga). Located in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwest, Michigan is a temperate state containing numerous lakes, expansive grasslands, waterfalls, and immense forests. However, its small size is actually what makes it so dangerous. Marquette County sits along the Marquette Iron Range, which sent out a significant portion of the iron ore mined in the United States for many years. The heavily forested land, soil types, short growing season, and logistical factors (e.g. WebMichigan is represented by several different state animals. Historically, the Upper Peninsula tended to vote for the Democratic Party due to its legacy of mining and historically high union membership. Heres some basic information and the real scoop on large predators in Michigan. Wilderness State Park is located immediately to the west of Mackinaw City near the upper tip of the Lower Peninsula. Click the box above to see all our locations, or click the individual location below. Their venom can cause damage to your circulatory system destroying blood cells and skin tissue resulting in internal hemorrhaging. In the 19th century, mining dominated the economy, and the UP became home to many isolated company towns. Hawks, eagles, terns, geese, ducks, owls, crows, quail, and songbirds are particularly common as well. Michigan is home to a wide variety of wildlife, some that is harmless and some that can be dangerous. Although the peninsula extends as a geographic feature into the state of Wisconsin, the state boundary follows the Montreal and Menominee rivers and a line connecting them. 12) Red Fox Facebook The largest of all the foxes, they can be found all over Maple syrup is a highly prized local delicacy. West Nile Virus can cause seizures, muscle weakness, and confusion. [62][63] The decline was uneven, however: the population in the largest cities Marquette, Sault Ste Marie, and Escanaba grew somewhat, while smaller cities and non-urban areas have generally declined in population. Although they prefer more northern climates like Canada or Alaska, small populations still remain in parts of Michigans Upper Peninsula. However, they do have relatively long lifespans and can live up to 10 years in captivity. Nestled in the heart of Michigans Upper Peninsula, the St. Marys River flows between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, offering a diverse range of habitats for various species of wildlife.While many may associate this region with its stunning natural scenery and rich history, few are aware of the slithering residents that call this area home. There are also many plant species that have been transported to the Great Lakes, including purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria[27] and Phragmites australis, both of which are considered to be a threat to native hydrophyte wetland plants.[28][29]. Michigan is home to a variety of large animals, including some of the largest in North America. A total of 116,548 people live in the 18 towns and villages of at least 2,000 people, which cover 108.5 square miles (281km2)less than 1% of the peninsula's land area. A considerable amount of bedrock is visible. The states unique geographical arrangement is shared by no other state or political subdivision anywhere in the world. [17][18] These reports increased in number over the first decade of the 21st century. Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact and making yourself as large as possible. Many types of snakes are attracted to water sources like ponds and streams. A "" indicates an increase in population from the previous census, and a "" indicates a decrease in population from the previous census. U.P. zoo introduces Teddy Yakson, other new additions Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. Whereas the French cultivated alliances among the Indians, the British postwar approach was to treat the tribes as conquered peoples. The Upper Peninsula has a humid continental climate (Dfb in the Kppen climate classification system). The bison can reach heights of up to 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 2,000 pounds! Kirtland warbler in Michigan. Mont Ripley, just outside Houghton, is popular among students of Michigan Technological University (the university actually owns the mountain). Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake This is the, Black Widow Spider Easily identified by the large body size and the black and red color scheme, the black widow can deliver powerful venom with dangerous neurotoxins. "The UP" redirects here. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area attracts thousands of ducks each year from October through April. The Upper Peninsula supplied 90% of America's copper by the 1860s. While the snake wont attack you unless provoked, their bites can be very dangerous. Michigan is home to many species of animals, some of which are endangered or threatened. M-185 encircles Mackinac Island as the only state highway in the country without motor vehicles. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. The UP also contains many shellfish, such as clams, aquatic snails, and crayfish. Pasty varieties include chicken, venison, pork, hamburger, and pizza, all of which many restaurants serve. Five Michigan Upper Peninsula counties include nearby major islands: Mackinac Island, Round Island and Bois Blanc Island in Lake Huron are in Mackinac County; Sugar Island and Neebish Island in the St. Marys River, and Drummond Island in Lake Huron are in Chippewa County; Grand Island is in Alger County; Summer Island is Delta County; and Isle Royale is part of Keweenaw County.The peninsula is divided between the flat, swampy areas in the east, part of the Great Lakes Plain, and the steeper, more rugged western half, called the Superior Upland, part of the Canadian Shield. law enforcement, legislation, rules and regulations, Accessible recreation opportunities in Michigan, All DNR-related boards, committees, and advisory groups, Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings with the DNR, information about volunteer and donation opportunities. According to the DNR, wolves are native to Michigan and the current U.P. Marie Evening News that serve the rest of the UP The Mining Journal, based in Marquette, is the only daily newspaper that publishes a Sunday edition, which is distributed, with the exception of Chippewa and eastern Mackinac counties, across the entire UP (the other six days are distributed in its local area only). American Indians captured Fort Michilimackinac, at present-day Mackinaw City, then the principal fort of the British in the Michilimackinac region, as well as others and killed hundreds of British. D araneus iviei Orb-weaver spider Wolf spider Fishing spider Loxosceles reclusa (Brown The bear population fell to a low of about 1,300 in 2011 due to overhunting and accidental deaths. When winters arrive, it then travels south toward the Caribbean. Jack Bergman, a Republican, has been the U.S. representative for this district since January 2017. Because of the surrounding waters and northern latitude, it receives more snow than most of the eastern U.S. If youre interested in seeing some of Michigans top wildlife, then you should visit one of the 74 state parks, two national parks, and numerous other forests, refuges, and important sites. Blacklegged tick: Present on low forest vegetation and along human and Since logging of white pine began in the 1880s, timber has been an important industry. Upper Peninsula of Michigan - Wikipedia Deer, rodents, bats, foxes, moles, opossums, raccoons, and skunks rank as some of the most common mammals in the state. It is home to beavers, otters, muskrats, bears, bobcats, coyotes, hares, plovers, hawks, owls, and all kinds of freshwater fish. Wilderness State Park is located immediately to the west of Mackinaw City near the upper tip of the Lower Peninsula. Calendars: In alphabetical order, the counties are: Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, 13) Bull Elk Facebook There are very few of these HUGE mammals left in Michigan. In January 1837, the U.S. Congress admitted Michigan as a state of the Union. Records of 390 inches (9.9m) of snow or more have been set in many communities in this area. It projects into Lake Superior and was the site of the first copper boom in the United States, part of a larger region of the peninsula called the Copper Country. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Banded-iron formations were deposited 2billion years ago; this is the Marquette Range Supergroup. If problems exist outside regular hunting or trapping seasons, coyotes can be killed without a license on private land by the landowner or a designee if the coyote is doing or about to do damage to private There is significant discussion and studies over the presence of eastern cougars in the UP. The shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior attract a wide variety of insects and arachnids, while venomous snakes could be waiting for you under any log, In this article, we will look at some of the most dangerous wildlife in Michigan. A skiing purist's resort, Bohemia is a self-proclaimed "experts only" mountain, and it does not groom its heavily gladed slopes. Michigan is home to 3 types of weasels, the least weasel, the long-tailed weasel, and the short-tailed weasel. Michigan Michigan It can attach to a mammal without notice spreading disease and wreaking havoc on its unsuspecting host. Any of these can be seen both in the Upper or 2011-1: Executive Reorganization Department of Natural Resources and Environment Creating the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Quality", "On the Cougar Trail: Team Investigates Sightings, Tracks Throughout UP, State", 10.1674/0003-0031(2006)155[363:DACOCI]2.0.CO;2, "Does a Population of Cougars Exist in Michigan? The three biggest animals found in Michigan are the American Bison, White-tailed Deer, and Moose. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. Marie and St. Ignace. This regionalism is not only a result of the physical separation of the two peninsulas, but also the history of the state. [13] Its highest elevation is Mount Arvon, at 1,979 feet (603m). ", 10.1674/0003-0031(2007)158[467:DAPOCE]2.0.CO;2, "DNRE Confirms Cougar Sighting in Michigan", "Invasive Phragmites Control and Management", "A Guide to the Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites", "The History of Emerald Ash Borer Discoveries in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from 2005 to 2007", "Michigan's Extreme and Significant Weather Events", "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections", "Michigan's Population Topped 10 Million in 2020", "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990", "Pioneers: U.P. Residents are nicknamed Yoopers (derived from "UP-ers") and have a strong regional identity, enhanced by the perception that the rest of the state neglects them. Moving southward on the Lower Peninsula, people visit Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area for sightings of black bears, river otters, and sandhill cranes. The opening of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 (see below) has made the Upper Peninsula easily accessible to tourists from the Lower Peninsula and southeast of Michigan, and has helped make the UP a year-round tourist destination. NAUBINWAY, MI A wildlife park in Michigans Upper Peninsula is introducing four new additions this season, including Teddy Yakson. It is home to beavers, otters, muskrats, bears, bobcats, coyotes, hares, plovers, hawks, owls, and all kinds of freshwater fish. The area of the Upper Peninsula north of Green Bay through Menominee and Escanaba (and extending west to Iron River) does not have the extreme weather and precipitation found to the north. Martens used to live all over the forests of the upper Midwest until settlers came in and cut down stands of white pines and other conifers. [citation needed] In the 2012 presidential election, Republican candidate Mitt Romney carried all but two counties. The freshwater jellyfish is native to China but is now found all over the world. [93] Fresh Great Lakes fish, such as the lake trout, whitefish, and (in the spring) smelt are widely eaten. Michigan Don't eat raw eel! At the very least, their bites are extremely painful. Black Bears are actually very docile creatures, but they make the list because they can be dangerous if encounters are handled poorly. I am owned by two dogs who take me on hikes in the mountains where we see coyotes, black bears, and wild turkeys. Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below. The yak is joining the family-owned zoos growing population of exotic animals, including sloths, frogs, reindeer, kookburra and more. US41 runs northsouth through the central and western UP, connecting Menominee, Escanaba, Marquette and Houghton before terminating near the tip of the Keweenaw at Copper Harbor. Nestled in the heart of Michigans Upper Peninsula, the St. Marys River flows between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, offering a diverse range of habitats for They tend to build paper-like nests in trees, vegetation, or even on decks and in garages. One of the most well-known of the arachnids, the Black Widow Spider, is commonly found in the western lower peninsula of Michigan. Some of the mammals found in the UP include shrews, moles, mice, white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, cougar, gray and red foxes, wolves, river otters, martens, fishers, muskrats, bobcats, coyotes, snowshoe hares, cotton-tail rabbits, porcupines, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, opossum and bats. Of the approximately 17,000 black bears that live in Michigan, 90 percent live in the Upper The Lower Peninsula, which forms the shape of a mitten, borders the states of Indiana and Ohio to the south, while the Upper Peninsula borders Wisconsin to the west. In the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, Republican candidate Donald Trump won all counties except Marquette County. Brown Recluse Spiders are most commonly found in the counties surrounding the Ohio and Indiana borders. A constitutional convention of the state legislature refused, but a second convention, hastily convened by Governor Stevens Thomson Mason, consisting primarily of his supporters, agreed in December 1836 to the deal. In the Upper Peninsula, visitors can view moose and deer in the Ottawa National Forest or try to spot a glimpse of a timber wolf while exploring Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Michigan There are approximately 17,000 black bears living in michigan, and they mostly live in the upper peninsula. Michigan Michigan Habitats, Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles WebFor more on this topic, see this story on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They also range northward to Labrador in the east and Northern Alaska in the west. For a full listing of help desk numbers, field offices, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page. Hines Emerald Dragonfly Native to the Midwest, this species is characterized a luminous dark green hue and two yellow stripes on the sides. According to the 2010 census, 103,211 people live in the 12 towns of at least 4,000 people, covering 96.5 square miles (250km2). It has many of the same animals as the other state parks. [5], There was a boundary dispute over the border with Wisconsin. [26] DNRE officials acknowledge that there are cougars in the UP, but not elsewhere in the state. The name Massasauga comes from the Chippewa language, meaning Great River Mouth. There are one Interstate Highway, five US Highways and 24 other state highways in the Upper Peninsula. It is currently being threatened by the loss or contamination of its wetland habitats. Visitor Centers across the state provide education programs, field trips, archery, fishing, trails and much more. The land in the Upper Peninsula was described in a federal report as a "sterile region on the shores of Lake Superior destined by soil and climate to remain forever a wilderness. The state flag of Michigan is one of history, honor, and unique symbolism. Classes & Workshops; Houghton County contributed 460 soldiers, while Marquette County, Michigan, sent 265. [59], The Upper Peninsula remains a predominantly rural region. [33] Lake-effect snow can cause blinding whiteouts in just minutes, and some storms can last for days. Rabbits in Texas (3 Species Plus One Hare), 20 Species of Lizards in Texas (With Pictures), 15 Types of Butterflies in Michigan (Pictures), 12Species of Ducks in Michigan (Pictures), black bear populations around the country, Rattlesnakes in Colorado (3 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Michigan (Pictures), 10 Types of Turtles in Michigan (With Pictures), 22 Types of Turtles in Alabama (Pictures), 9 Types of Turtles in Minnesota (Pictures), 14 Types of Turtles in Texas (With Pictures), 13 Types of Turtles in North Carolina (Pictures). The Eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is one of the snake species that can be found in Michigans St. Marys River region. Summers tend to be warmer and winter nights much colder. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, only venomous snake in the entire state of Michigan, most gorgeous waterfalls in Upper Michigan, Yellowish Cuckoo Bumblebee (formerly Fernalds Cuckoo Bumblebee), Michigan is home to a number of aquariums. Critics of the DNRE's position on the species, including the founder of the MCCR, say that the department is attempting to "avoid paying for a cougar management program". Unless otherwise stated, each hunter is only permitted to hunt one bobcat in the states Lower Peninsula. It reaches about 4.5 feet long and weighs up to 660 pounds. Although heavily logged in the 19th century, the majority of the land was forested with mature trees by the 1970s. John Jacob Astor founded the American Fur Company on Mackinac Island in 1808; however, the industry began to decline in the 1830s as beaver and other game were overhunted.[3]. However, the diseases that they spread are extremely dangerous to humans. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. White-tailed deer are another common animal found throughout Michigans forests and fields. Michigan Now, the good news: This state is still notable for its fossils of other prehistoric life dating from the Paleozoic and Cenozoic eras, including unique creatures such as the woolly mammoth and the American mastodon. Keep an eye out for them under logs, tree roots, or in small mammal habitats. [22], There are also many invasive species that are primarily brought in the ballast water of foreign ships, usually from the ocean bordering Northeastern Asia. Until the bridge was completed in 1957, travel between the two peninsulas was difficult and slow (and sometimes even impossible during winter). In addition to these two environments, Michigan is also bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, which provide distinct habitats for aquatic plants like wild rice, water lilies, and reed grasses. State park, historic sites and visitor center events. Its natural range is now restricted to Michigan and Indiana, but it was once much more widespread. Michigan If you want to learn more about the meaning behind each detail of the flag, find out more about the flag here. The western Despite this, they have remained an important part of Michigans history and continue to be celebrated as its official state animal. While not as aggressive as their reputation suggests, these two species are quite large and could easily kill a person if provoked. Brown Recluse Spider. These are used for general aviation and charter. Marie, Escanaba, Menominee, Houghton, and Iron Mountain. Further up the peninsula in the small town of Lac La Belle is Mt. They are venomous and, unlike bees, do not die after one sting. Mitchells Satyr This small butterfly is characterized by brown wings with rows of round black and yellow eyespots on the underside. Michigan is home to many common forest-dwelling and freshwater animals. Opossums didn't always live here. They're on the move, and Its largest cities are Marquette, Sault Ste. Although the Upper Peninsula nominally became United States territory with the 1783 Treaty of Paris, the British did not give up control until 1797 under terms of the Jay Treaty. Michigan