Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Researchers used remote camera surveys to estimate Michigan's wolf population in the Upper Peninsula for the first time. The survey provided monthly estimates demonstrating lower counts during late winter and higher counts in the fall when pups are active. Both the camera surveys and DNR winter track surveys estimated just under 800 gray wolves in the U.P. during February/March 2024.

A study by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and universities suggests some Great Lakes lake sturgeon may live over 400 years, twice the previously known lifespan. Researchers used growth rings in otoliths and long-term tracking to estimate longevity, finding some females could reach 427 years. The study compared sturgeon lifespans to Greenland sharks, the longest-lived vertebrates.

Mile-a-minute weed, an invasive vine capable of smothering vegetation, was detected in Jackson County, Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirmed the discovery, noting its rapid growth and threat to native plants. Residents can report sightings via the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network's online tool or the MISIN smartphone app.

Mile-a-minute weed, a fast-growing invasive vine that smothers vegetation, was detected in Jackson County, Michigan. The vine, first found in the state in 2020, grows up to 25 feet in weeks and threatens tree seedlings, orchards, and restoration areas. It spreads via bird-dispersed berries and requires manual removal and monitoring.

A 26-year-old Michigan man, Thomas House, faces 50 charges for allegedly shooting and killing deer from his vehicle using a suppressed rifle, leaving them to rot. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources investigated after a tip led to evidence of nighttime poaching between April and November 2025, including videos of the incidents.

A nearly six-foot lake sturgeon was found dumped on Durham Rd. in Whitehall, Muskegon County, Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is investigating, citing possible illegal fishing and damage to the fish's gill plate. Regulations prohibit sturgeon fishing in most areas, excluding locations not including the White River where the fish may have been taken.

Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest, known as 'Big Wild,' expanded by nearly 8,850 acres through a partnership involving federal and state grants and private funding. The Black River Ranch property, purchased by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, includes rivers, lakes, and wilderness areas now open to the public with motorized access prohibited pending further assessments.

State regulators approved two environmental permits for Enbridge Inc.’s Great Lakes Tunnel Project, allowing the company to replace a segment of Line 5 pipeline with a tunnel beneath the Straights of Mackinac. The permits include conditions to mitigate environmental impacts, but environmental groups argue the measures are insufficient to address risks of oil spills and ecological harm.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued key permits for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel, despite acknowledging the project’s 'significant impacts.'

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will auction 97 state-owned properties across 12 counties from August 4–28. The parcels, designated as surplus due to limited public benefits, will fund the acquisition of more usable public lands. Auctions will occur county-by-county, with interactive bidding and absentee bids allowed.

An individual was found floating in Lake Erie near the Pointe Mouillee State Game area. Authorities, including Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and others, recovered the body from shallow water. The individual has not been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting public assistance to locate gray foxes in the state, as researchers seek to understand their distribution amid declining populations. The DNR emphasizes that gray foxes are elusive and encourages residents to report sightings, including images and videos, to aid conservation efforts. Gray foxes are described as having grizzled gray coats, black-tipped tails, and red coloration on the neck, chest, and legs.

Two adults and two children were rescued from a 30-foot embankment in Southfield after a vehicle crash. Michigan wildlife biologists are conducting a wild turkey brood survey. NBA reports suggest the Detroit Pistons have inquired about Kevin Durant's availability. Taylor police officers shot an armed robbery suspect linked to a U-Haul truck during a traffic stop.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is conducting a wild turkey brood survey to monitor population health, part of a conservation success story since turkeys were reintroduced in the 1950s. The survey, open until August 31, relies on public reports to track turkey numbers and reproduction across the state.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources is requesting residents to report wild turkey sightings from July 1 to August 31 to study reproduction success. The annual survey, part of a multi-state effort by the National Wild Turkey Federation, has collected over 17,000 observations since its launch four years ago, tracking turkeys that have rebounded to all Michigan counties.

Michigan reported 13 confirmed cougar sightings in 2026 as of May 1, with most detected via trail cameras in the Upper Peninsula. This follows 31 sightings in 2025, including the first documented cougar cubs in the state in 100 years. DNR officials note some sightings may involve the same animals and emphasize increased camera coverage.

Republican representatives proposed legislation to create a separate Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission to oversee hunting and fishing, citing ecological differences between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The bills faced opposition from the House committee and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, with concerns about potential conflicts and enforcement challenges.

Five bald eagles were found dead in Michigan's Upper Peninsula over two weeks, prompting a wildlife investigation. Officials ruled out natural causes, predators, or vehicle strikes, suggesting possible illegal killing. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public tips and offering rewards for information leading to arrests.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Michigan's lawsuit to shut down a section of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac will remain in state court, citing Enbridge's delay in moving the case to federal court. The pipeline, operational since 1953, has faced legal battles over safety concerns and environmental risks, with Michigan revoking its easement in 2020 and Enbridge seeking permits for a protective tunnel.