Another Wolverine Spotted in Michigan, This One Near West Branch

DNR Lists Fearsome Beast on Endangered List While Denying It's Here

January 13, 2008
By: Dave Rogers

Another wolverine, or perhaps more than one, reportedly have been spotted in Michigan, sources active in wildlife control state.

"There have been sightings near West Branch and that area," said the source. "The report came from the DNR but officially they deny it because they don't want to have to deal with it."

The DNR, while denying wolverines exist in Michigan, or at least failing to make public reports of sightings, lists the following on its website:

"ENDANGERED AND PROTECTED LIST: Eagles, hawks, owls, swans, spruce and sharp-tailed grouse, wolverines, wolves, lynx, moose, cougars, cub bears and sows accompanied by cubs, and all white or albino deer may not be taken at any time. All non-game birds are protected, except starlings, English sparrows and feral pigeons.

A wolverine was seen and photographed by a DNR field agent and the same creature was filmed near Ubly in 2004 by a wildlife enthusiast. Coyote hunters spotted a wolverine and Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Arnie Karr took pictures of the animal as scurried from a woods and across a field.

(See wolverine stories, MyBayCity.com Jan. 7 and Jan. 11, 2006.)


The wolverine hasn't been seen much in Michigan since the fur traders encountered them in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It is a member of the weasel family and can be up to about 25 pounds but still is ferocious enough to do combat with bears and wolves. Although the wolverine once ranged across the northern and western United States, it is now limited mostly to northern Canada, Idaho and Alaska and a few other states. Apparently Michigan is now one of those states.

In 2006 the beast was captured on film at a wooded site baited with a deer carcass. The film was made by a school teacher from the Thumb area using a camera with an automatic trigger.

After much speculation, and testing of hair samples, it was determined the animal was from Canada. Officials believe the wolverine came across the ice to Michigan, probably from the Bruce Peninsula and the Kincardine area.

Some wildlife experts think the animals identified as wolverines may be badgers, although that species is very rarely seen in Michigan.

If it was a wolverine near West Branch, the animal is far from the lake shore where it likely would have crossed into Michigan, the expert said. "However, their range is over 250 miles so anything is possible," he added, commenting: "Who knows, maybe it was the one seen several years ago in the Thumb that is just moving inland in search of food?"

Meanwhile, there are unofficial citizen reports of cougars in Monitor Township, Bay County. A wildlife specialist says however the sighting may be a large bobcat, some of which are over 20 pounds.

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