RABER TOWNSHIP, MI (AP)-- There are two new confirmed cougar sightings in the eastern part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The state Department of Natural Resources says that it has verified two photographs of the large predators this fall. The department says there now have been 26 verified cougar appearances in eastern upper Michigan since 2008.
The department says one photo was taken by a camera phone in late October on private property in Chippewa County's Raber Township. The site is about 30 miles south-southeast of Sault Ste. Marie.
It says the second photo was taken in early November by a trail camera on public land in Mackinac County's Garfield Township.
The department says it believes that young cougars are dispersing from established populations in the Dakotas seeking new territory.