what animals live in the upper peninsula of michigan

Two highways run the eastwest length of the peninsula, US Highway2 along the south and M-28 to the north. There are a lot of beetles in Michigan. Like ticks, mosquitoes themselves are more of an annoyance than a danger. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. This makes identification easy. Blacklegged tick: Present on low forest vegetation and along human and (The peninsula includes the only counties in the United States where a plurality of residents claim Finnish ancestry. However, there was an armed conflict known as the Toledo War with the state of Ohio over the location of their mutual border. Residents of the western Upper Peninsula take on some of the cultural identities of both Wisconsin and Michigan. If you do see a wolf, do not run away. Kirtland warbler in Michigan. The species nearly went extinct from its natural Midwest range in the middle of the 20th century, but thanks to the preservation of its natural habitat, numbers have since rebounded. [33] Lake-effect snow can cause blinding whiteouts in just minutes, and some storms can last for days. [21] Several residents in the state disagree with both current and previous positions on the part of the DNRE. Grey wolves travel in packs and typically stay within their packs territory. At the time, Michigan was considered the losing party in the compromise. There are many places in Michigan where you can see wildlife. Although heavily logged in the 19th century, the majority of the land was forested with mature trees by the 1970s. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. What predators live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? 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. Brown Recluse Spider. Queen snakes have armor-like scales on the top of their head. tienne Brl of France was probably the first European to visit the peninsula, crossing the St. Marys River around 1620 in search of a route to the Far East. Originally the casinos were simple, one-room affairs. It has been illegal to own a cougar or large exotic cats such as African lions, leopards, and jaguars, in Michigan since 2000. Kirtlands Warbler In order to thrive, this small yellow-bellied songbird needs a large region of dense young jack pine forests to breed in. Snakes also like open grassy fields where they can bask in the sunshine during the day. Thank you for visiting! Hunting and Fishing; Teddy Yakson as Downy woodpecker in Michigan. D araneus iviei Orb-weaver spider Wolf spider Fishing spider Loxosceles reclusa (Brown 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. These rattlesnakes have heart-shaped heads, vertical pupils, and thick bodies. Well show you how to identify it, and why its dangerous. Because of the surrounding waters and northern latitude, it receives more snow than most of the eastern U.S. There are one Interstate Highway, five US Highways and 24 other state highways in the Upper Peninsula. Adult males can reach heights between 3 4 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 250 pounds when fully grown. I am owned by two dogs who take me on hikes in the mountains where we see coyotes, black bears, and wild turkeys. There are approximately 700 gray wolves living in Michigan and almost all of them reside in the Upper Peninsula. They have a distinctive rattle at the end of their tail which serves as an audible warning sign to alert potential predators and humans alike that they should be avoided. They have a light brown hue with yellow spots and are found near rocks and inside logs. WebEastern bluebirds in Michigan. For many years, mines in the Keweenaw Peninsula were the world's largest producers of copper (see Copper mining in Michigan). Despite this, they have remained an important part of Michigans history and continue to be celebrated as its official state animal. Coastal communities have temperatures tempered by the Great Lakes. The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to several ski areas. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Michigan is home to many species of animals, some of which are endangered or threatened. 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]. The other known populations are located in Ontario, Canada. Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats in Michigan, including woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and even urban areas. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Their bite is highly poisonous and can cause serious injury or even death if not treated immediately with antivenom. The biologists with the DNRE currently do not believe that there is a breeding population anywhere in the state, rather that the sighted animals are visitors to the state. The Upper Peninsula supplied 90% of America's copper by the 1860s. President Andrew Jackson's government offered the remainder of the Upper Peninsula to Michigan if it would cede the Toledo Strip to Ohio. [24] A citizen's group, the Michigan Citizens for Cougar Recognition (MCCR), independently tracked sightings and in 2009 listed Delta County as the location with the greatest number of reports in the state. In the 19th century, mining dominated the economy, and the UP became home to many isolated company towns. The repopulation of wolves in this region has occurred naturally as they have expanded their territory. There are about 4,300inland lakes, the largest of which is Lake Gogebic, and 12,000 miles (19,000km) of streams.[9]. WebGo to Learn about Michigan's species Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. Throughout the Upper Peninsula, there are newspapers, such as The Daily News in Iron Mountain, The Menominee County Journal in Stephenson, The Daily Mining Gazette in Houghton, The Daily Press in Escanaba, and the Sault Ste. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. They are mostly black with yellow markings. 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. In Michigan's 2010 gubernatorial election Republican Rick Snyder carried every UP county but one, Gogebic, on his way to victory over his Democratic opponent, Virg Bernero. 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. Since logging of white pine began in the 1880s, timber has been an important industry. Beech bark disease and beech leaf disease both target species of beech trees. [79] MDOT has also designated five UP highways as Pure Michigan Byways for their historic, recreational or scenic qualities. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE SNOWMOBILE HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Want to find tasty morel mushrooms in the forest? USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE WINTER FUN HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Find facility info, overnight info, an event calendar and much more. As human population growth continues to increase in Michigan, its important that we take steps to protect our natural environment so that all creatures can continue to thrive here now and into the future. In spring, the male bobolink is the only North American bird who is dark below and light colored above. 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. [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. Interstate75 is the only freeway in the region and runs from the Mackinac Bridge at St. Ignace to the International Bridge at Sault Ste. They enjoy wet areas and are especially common along the lake edges. They arrived roughly around 800 C.E. ", 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. WebMichigan is represented by several different state animals. In 2004, microbreweries began opening across the Upper Peninsula; 14 opened by 2014, and 23 by 2019. Typically, the armor plates and jawbones of these fish are the only parts preserved. is the northern and more elevated of the two major landmasses that make up the U.S. state of Michigan; it is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinac. However, they do have relatively long lifespans and can live up to 10 years in captivity. Hawks, eagles, terns, geese, ducks, owls, crows, quail, and songbirds are particularly common as well. Heres some basic information and the real scoop on large predators in Michigan. It can attach to a mammal without notice spreading disease and wreaking havoc on its unsuspecting host. It is not contagious from person to person or between people and animals. [4], Thousands of Americans and immigrants moved to the area during the mining boom, prompting the federal government to create Fort Wilkins near Copper Harbor to maintain order. Human activities such as urban development can also contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation, which reduces available resources for native wildlife. I am a freelance writer with 22 years of experience. In 1967, when the Uniform Time Act came into effect, the Upper Peninsula went under year-round CST, with no daylight saving time. American dog tick: Active from May to November in Michigan forests and grassy areas. Classes & Workshops; These are used for general aviation and charter. The bear population fell to a low of about 1,300 in 2011 due to overhunting 1. Banded-iron formations were deposited 2billion years ago; this is the Marquette Range Supergroup. [7], The Upper Peninsula contains 16,377 square miles (42,420km2),[8] about 29 percent of the land area of the state (exclusive of territorial waters, which constitute about 40% of Michigan's total jurisdictional area). Animals like bears or large cats have been known to attack humans if provoked, so these are certainly included on this list. This water is dumped directly into the Great Lakes, depositing a variety of fresh and salt water fish and invertebrates, most notably the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. First inhabited by Algonquian-speaking native American tribes, the area was explored by French colonists, then occupied by British forces, before being ceded to the newly established United States in the late 18th century. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. WebOf this total, around 10,000 live in the Upper Peninsula, while 2,000 live in the Lower Peninsula. 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. Its lowest elevation is along the shoreline of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, averaging 577 feet (176m) above sea level. 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? Bats sleeping in a cluster, hanging upside down from a rocky surface. [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. During courtship, males put on exciting displays by fluffing their plumage, spreading their tails, and letting out a whining call. [citation needed] There is only one control tower in the Upper Peninsula, at Sawyer.[82]. Michigan is also well-known for its waterfowl populations. The region's exploitable timber resources and the discovery of iron and copper deposits in the 19th century brought immigrants, especially French Canadian, Finnish, Swedish, Cornish, and Italian. The Mourning Warbler was named for its gray head, which resembles a mourning veil! It ranges across most of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, so its important to be aware of what these snakes look like when outdoors in Michigan. They tend to build paper-like nests in trees, vegetation, or even on decks and in garages. 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). The Wolverine has become entrenched in the states culture and pride, with many schools, sports teams, and businesses using it as their mascot or logo. This includes three from Dickinson County, two from Marquette County and one each from Baraga, Delta, Houghton, Luce, and Any of these can be seen both in the Upper or [93] Fresh Great Lakes fish, such as the lake trout, whitefish, and (in the spring) smelt are widely eaten. [77] In winter, travel was possible over the ice only after the straits had solidly frozen. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE)[b] formed a four-person team to investigate sightings in the state. Michigan is home to many common forest-dwelling and freshwater animals. River Otter The river otter is found in rivers and streams all around Michigans Great Lakes region. 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. Although it is a tree squirrel, it spends most of its time on the ground. 01 of 04 Woolly Mammoth Flying Puffin/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0 Ten mountain lion sightings have now been confirmed in Michigans Upper Peninsula in 2021, according to the DNR. While its no longer an endangered species, there is currently a dispute of whether the wolves should still be protected by the federal government. Thats why you see all these red pines they came and planted. Sanders said as he walked through the woods. The American Bird Conservancy and the National Audubon Society have designated several locations as internationally Important Bird Areas.[15]. Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below. The majority of grey wolves in Michigan live in the Upper Peninsula. While not as aggressive as their reputation suggests, these two species are quite large and could easily kill a person if provoked. Black Widows are fairly easy to recognize. Other sizable ethnic communities in the Upper Peninsula include French-Canadian, German, Cornish, Italian, and Ojibwe ancestry. French colonists laid claim to the land in the 17th century, establishing missions and fur trading posts such as Sault Ste. Click the box above to see all species, If you do come across one, back away slowly without making any sudden movements this will give both parties time to get out safely! It also contains most of the state-run parks and wildlife reserves. [citation needed] As of 2020[update], Marquette County is home to one remaining iron ore mine and one nickel and copper mine. As of the 2020 census the region had a population of 301,608, just more than 3% of Michigan's total population and a decline of 3.2% from 2010.[60]. When Michigan applied for statehood in the 1830s, the proposal corresponded to the original territorial boundaries. Many ghost towns exist in the region.[64]. Two ferry companies run passenger ferries from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. In the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, Republican candidate Donald Trump won all counties except Marquette County. long distance to market, lack of infrastructure) make the Upper Peninsula poorly suited for agriculture. Of these, six airports have commercial passenger service: Gogebic-Iron County Airport north of Ironwood, Houghton County Memorial Airport southwest of Calumet, Ford Airport west of Iron Mountain, Sawyer International Airport south of Marquette, Delta County Airport in Escanaba, and Chippewa County International Airport south of Sault Ste. [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. Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. Beginning in 1923, the State of Michigan operated automobile ferries between the two peninsulas. It is home to beavers, otters, muskrats, bears, bobcats, coyotes, hares, plovers, hawks, owls, and all kinds of freshwater fish. [23] These results were disputed in a second journal article in 2007 by other researchers from Eastern Michigan University and the U.S. Forest Service. The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to bald eagles, ospreys, and other raptors that soar over forested areas such as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Beyond venomous snakes, Michigan also has six water snakes that include: Overall, Michigan has a lower number of snakes than many surrounding states. Even though ticks and mosquitoes may spread diseases like Lyme Disease or West Nile Virus, they do not present an immediate physical danger, so they will not be discussed here. The UP also contains many shellfish, such as clams, aquatic snails, and crayfish. The emerald ash borer was first reported in the UP at Brimley State Park,[30] and is considered to be a serious ecological threat to the habitat and economy. Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air. and subsisted chiefly from fishing. 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. Go to Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Go to Recreational safety and hunter education, Natural and Historical Education Resources for Home, Cultural & Scientific Collectors Permit (Fisheries), Collaborative Forest Management: The Good Neighbor Authority, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Northern Lake Michigan Islands Collaborative, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils. The Black-legged Tick, also known as the deer tick, can seem relatively harmless due to its small size. Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket. However, the 1908 revision of the Constitution of Michigan specified that the west branch of the Montreal River was the proper border, which would have placed an additional 360 square miles of land on the Michigan side of the border. 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. The Eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is one of the snake species that can be found in Michigans St. Marys River region. This section will discuss the most dangerous wild animals in Michigan that have direct contact with people. [86] Other ski areas are Pine Mountain located in Iron Mountain, Norway Mountain in the town of the same name, and the Porcupine Mountains located in Ontonagon. WebFor more on this topic, see this story on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. 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. In 1881, the Mackin Daylight saving time is observed peninsula-wide. When winters arrive, it then travels south toward the Caribbean. Of the greatest concern is Lyme disease as it can affect joints and the central nervous system if left untreated. The Polyphemus moth doesnt and can't eat, except when it's a caterpillar! The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has three state universities (Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie. Northern Bog Lemming Northern bog lemmings are small rodents that inhabit wetland habitats like bogs and marshes near lakeshores or wetlands with brushy vegetation. Some folklore associate Black Witch Moths with bad luck (and even death! When it comes to animals, Michigan is home to a wide variety of species. However, the diseases that they spread are extremely dangerous to humans. Similar to Brown Recluse Spiders, Black Widows are dangerous, because they are venomous. Wolves are typically shy around humans but have been known to attack humans if there is an opportunity. 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. Four of them have been detected in the state and the fifth one is just one you should know the symptoms of. All counties in the UP are part of Michigan's 1st congressional district. From the black carpet beetle, the margined blister beetle, and the big-headed ground beetle, its common to see unique-looking beetles in Michigan! They include: The porbeagle is one of the few sharks that jumps out of the water. Red-Shouldered Hawks reuse the same nesting area each year. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area attracts thousands of ducks each year from October through April. The freshwater jellyfish is native to China but is now found all over the world. An 1847 survey established the east branch of the Montreal River as the border. 13) Bull Elk Facebook There are very few of these HUGE mammals left in Michigan. What animals are most common in Michigan? From venomous spiders to 2-foot long rattlesnakes, a few species living in Michigan can be downright terrifying. 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. Moving southward on the Lower Peninsula, people visit Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area for sightings of black bears, river otters, and sandhill cranes. WebThis article shows a list of all known Fauna native to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They have a symbiotic relationship with ants. There are approximately 17,000 black bears living in michigan, and they mostly live in the upper peninsula. The Upper Peninsula has a humid continental climate (Dfb in the Kppen climate classification system). The official flag features three iconic animals; a bald eagle at its center, representing freedom and strength, flanked by an elk on one side, signifying courage and speed, while on the other side, there is a moose representing agility with dignity. Black Bears are actually very docile creatures, but they make the list because they can be dangerous if encounters are handled poorly. Amid the 40,000 acres of winding hiking trails and scenic falls, visitors can find moose, bears, rodents, and deer here as well. The Upper Peninsula is separated from the Lower by the Straits of Mackinac, five miles (8 km) across at the narrowest, and is connected to it by the Mackinac Bridge at St. Ignace, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. The name itself is a French translation of the original Ojibwe word mishigami, which means larger water or large lake. An analysis of data collected in 2022 produced an estimate of 631 wolves, give or take 49, the Department of Natural Resources said Further up the peninsula in the small town of Lac La Belle is Mt. In terms of reptiles and amphibians, the UP has common garter snakes, red bellied snakes, pine snakes, northern water snakes, brown snakes, eastern garter snakes, eastern fox snakes, eastern ribbon back snakes, green snakes, northern ringneck snakes, eastern milk snakes (Mackinac and Marquette counties) and eastern hognose snakes (Menominee County only), plus snapping turtles, wood turtles, and painted turtles (the state reptile), green frogs, bullfrogs, northern leopard frogs, and salamanders. As a result, the North American porcupine is commonly thought of as a North Woods animal. These include trilliums, violets, columbines, daisies, and more, each with its own beauty that adds color and life to our wonderful state! After being assigned to various territorial jurisdictions, it was granted to the newly formed state of Michigan as part of the settlement of a dispute with Ohio over the city of Toledo. Of the approximately 17,000 black bears that live in Michigan, 90 percent live in the Upper When I go for my daily runs I often see herds of elk, deer, and bald eagles. A considerable amount of bedrock is visible. They are especially dangerous and can be lethal to those who have an allergic reaction to their stings. The bear population fell to a low of about 1,300 in 2011 due to overhunting and accidental deaths. The Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act provide protections for these animals, but centuries of unregulated hunting and destruction of natural habitats have caused a decrease in animal populations. It is currently being threatened by the loss or contamination of its wetland habitats. Michigans Upper Peninsula is home to many of the Midwests most treasured wildlife species. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers will often steal the nests of other birds. From the state flower to the only flower completely endemic to the region, read more on the native plants in Michigan. In terms of sports fandom, residents may support Detroit professional teams or those of Wisconsinparticularly the Green Bay Packers. [57], Due to the geographic separation and perceived cultural and political differences from the Lower Peninsula, at various times there have been proposals for the Upper Peninsula to secede from Michigan as a 51st state named Superior, sometimes including portions of northern Wisconsin and/or the northern Lower Peninsula. Some of the rarest creatures you might be lucky enough to encounter include the river otter, red-shouldered hawk, and northern bog lemming. WebMichigan's swamps have red and silver maples, cedars, balsams, willows, alders, black ash, elms, and dogwoods. One of the most well-known of the arachnids, the Black Widow Spider, is commonly found in the western lower peninsula of Michigan. No new permits are being issued. Michigan is home to a variety of animals, and some can pose a threat to humans. As tiger trout are sterile, they cannot produce offspring. An analysis of data collected in 2022 produced an estimate of 631 wolves, give or take 49, the Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday. Small amounts of gold have also been discovered and mined. LEARN MORE This scenic wooded area is home to white-tailed deer, raccoons, red squirrels, waterfowl, great blue herons and songbirds. Its not unusual to spot bald eagles perching in the white pines facing Lake Huron. LEARN MORE This diverse wildlife viewing area is over 14,200 acres in size. In 1764, they began negotiations with the British, resulting in temporary peace and changes in objectionable British policies. [citation needed] In the 2012 presidential election, Republican candidate Mitt Romney carried all but two counties. Many centuries ago, wolves once occupied every single county in the state, but because of human persecution and habitat loss, populations may have completely disappeared from the state by the middle of the 20th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, opossum populations were limited to the southernmost parts of Michigan. "[2] This belief changed when rich mineral deposits (primarily copper and iron) were discovered in the 1840s.
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