The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has three state universities (Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. They have specialized jaws for removing snails from shells. 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). Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Two highways run the eastwest length of the peninsula, US Highway2 along the south and M-28 to the north. There are a total of 18 snakes in Michigan. 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. These include ferries for Sugar Island, Neebish Island, and Drummond Island. Wilderness State Park is located immediately to the west of Mackinaw City near the upper tip of the Lower Peninsula. Daylight saving time is observed peninsula-wide. On Nov. 8, 2019, a trail camera captured multiple photos of a cougar in western Schoolcraft County. If you are bitten by one, it is best to visit a doctor immediately. However, there are a few species that if provoked can cause some serious harm. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by nature. [citation needed] In the 2012 presidential election, Republican candidate Mitt Romney carried all but two counties. [20] As late as January 2007, the DNRE's official position was that no cougars lived in Michigan. As an American territory, the Upper Peninsula was still dominated by the fur trade. 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, Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below. Spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, and other invertebrates are probably among the most common animals in the state. Michigan is home to many common forest-dwelling and freshwater animals. There is minimal concern about contamination of fish from Lake Superior waters. 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. Hancock is found frequently on lists of the snowiest cities in America. [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. 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. 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. [36] In 1973, the majority of the peninsula switched to Eastern Time;[37] only the four western border counties of Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson, and Menominee continue to observe Central Time. 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. Grey wolves travel in packs and typically stay within their packs territory. Paper Wasps are very common in Michigan and can be very dangerous if provoked. Beech bark disease and beech leaf disease both target species of beech trees. 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". Bats sleeping in a cluster, hanging upside down from a rocky surface. In Michigan black bears, gray wolves and cougars should be indicators of the healthy state of the ecosystem. [33] Lake-effect snow can cause blinding whiteouts in just minutes, and some storms can last for days. WebIn Michigan, the small-mouthed salamander is listed as an endangered species and the marbled salamander and the six-lined racerunner are listed as threatened. If you do come across one, back away slowly without making any sudden movements this will give both parties time to get out safely! This section will discuss the most dangerous wild animals in Michigan that have direct contact with people. 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. 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. 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 the early 20th century, 75% of the population was foreign-born. When the Michigan Territory was first established in 1805, it included only the Lower Peninsula and the eastern portion of the Upper Peninsula. Calendars: M-185 encircles Mackinac Island as the only state highway in the country without motor vehicles. There are over 60 different species of mosquitoes living in Michigan, so they can be found practically anywhere. French colonists laid claim to the land in the 17th century, establishing missions and fur trading posts such as Sault Ste. [79] MDOT has also designated five UP highways as Pure Michigan Byways for their historic, recreational or scenic qualities. [94] Smoked fish is also popular. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Deer ticks are about the size of a sesame seed and nearly impossible to spot prior to attaching to a host. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, located near the town of Paradise in the Upper Peninsula, is the second largest park in the state. Its lowest elevation is along the shoreline of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, averaging 577 feet (176m) above sea level. They have a symbiotic relationship with ants. "[2] This belief changed when rich mineral deposits (primarily copper and iron) were discovered in the 1840s. 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. 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. Public Meetings; 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. Sault Ste Marie is the oldest European settlement in Michigan and the site of Native American settlements for centuries. WebSquirrels, rabbits, and pheasants are more abundant in southern Michigan, and while there are good hunting opportunities for these animals on public land areas in the region, it is also often easier to get permission to hunt these small game on the predominantly private land in this region, rather than to compete for access to hunt white-tailed [3], From 1861 to 1865, 90,000 Michigan men fought in the American Civil War, including 1,209 from the Upper Peninsula. Birds Fish However, these spiders are venomous. Snakes also like open grassy fields where they can bask in the sunshine during the day. [77] In winter, travel was possible over the ice only after the straits had solidly frozen. Some of the casinos are now quite elaborate and are being developed as part of resort and conference facilities, including features such as golf courses, pool and spa, dining, and rooms to accommodate guests. 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 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. [59], The Upper Peninsula remains a predominantly rural region. The American robin is the official state bird, the brook trout is the state fish, the painted turtle is the state reptile, and the official state game animal is the white-tailed deer. From venomous spiders to 2-foot long rattlesnakes, a few species living in Michigan can be downright terrifying. ), while other associates them with good fortune. The Upper Peninsula has a distinctive local cuisine. During the 1890s, Finnish immigrants began settling there in large numbers, forming the population plurality in the northwestern half of the peninsula. Death due to Black Bear attacks only account for one death per year annually. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting wild animals so that future generations can enjoy them too. However, they do have relatively long lifespans and can live up to 10 years in captivity. 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. In 1881, the Mackin Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes are considered more venomous than most other venomous snakes. [6] A 1926 Supreme Court decision awarded this tract of land to Wisconsin. At the time, Michigan was considered the losing party in the compromise. In the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, Republican candidate Donald Trump won all counties except Marquette County. There are many places in Michigan where you can see wildlife. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your surroundings when hiking or camping in areas known to contain rattlesnakes and take extra precautions so as not to startle them. Four of them have been detected in the state and the fifth one is just one you should know the symptoms of. 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. An analysis of data collected in 2022 produced an estimate of 631 wolves, give or take 49, the Department of Natural Resources said Regardless of where you live in Michigan, youre sure to find an array of vibrant wildflowers blooming throughout spring and summer. They are all black with two red triangles that form an hourglass on the underside of their abdomen. EEE will attack the brain and spinal cord, which is always dangerous. Maple syrup is a highly prized local delicacy. State park, historic sites and visitor center events. 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. There are a lot of beetles in Michigan. The Brook Trout is actually part of the salmon family, making it not technically a trout. Brown Recluse Spider. At the beginning of the 20th century, opossum populations were limited to the southernmost parts of Michigan. [11], The Keweenaw Peninsula is the northernmost part of the peninsula (not counting Isle Royale, which is politically part of the UP). Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. American bittern ( Botanus Wolves hunt in packs and innately chase after prey that is fleeing. Although the state government was not yet recognized by the United States Congress, the territorial government effectively ceased to exist. Thank you for visiting! The Upper Peninsula is separated from the Lower by the Straits of Mackinac, five miles (8km) 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 spiders like dark, dry spaces like garages, hollow stumps, and dense vegetation. [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. Their amazing speeds and razor-sharp teeth make them extremely threatening. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE CAMPING HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Get all your fishing information here, including rules and regulations, license info, the weekly fishing report and much more. 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. Volunteer Opportunities; WebEastern bluebirds in Michigan. The UP also contains many shellfish, such as clams, aquatic snails, and crayfish. Animals like bears or large cats have been known to attack humans if provoked, so these are certainly included on this list. [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. Michigans gray wolf population remains stable and might have reached its natural ceiling after mounting a decadeslong comeback in the Upper Peninsula, state biologists said after the latest survey. Kirtlands Warbler In order to thrive, this small yellow-bellied songbird needs a large region of dense young jack pine forests to breed in. The United States Forest Service and Federal Highway Administration have designated certain roads within the several National Forests in the UP as Federal Forest Highways. As tiger trout are sterile, they cannot produce offspring. It is not contagious from person to person or between people and animals. They arrived roughly around 800 C.E. 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. [citation needed] There is only one control tower in the Upper Peninsula, at Sawyer.[82]. Eastern hognose snakes are venomous, but only to frogs and toads. All of the higher areas are the remnants of ancient peaks, worn down over millions of years by erosion and glaciers. Any of these can be seen both in the Upper or If you want to learn more about the meaning behind each detail of the flag, find out more about the flag here. The dialect and culture are captured in many songs by Da Yoopers, a comedy music and skit troupe from Ishpeming, Michigan. WebGo to Learn about Michigan's species Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. Here is a look at a few species that you want to avoid next time you are in Michigan and how to identify them. It reaches about 4.5 feet long and weighs up to 660 pounds. In 1881, the Mackinac Transportation Company was established by three railroads, the Michigan Central Railroad, the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, and the Detroit, Mackinac and Marquette Railroad, to operate a railroad car ferry across the Straits. What animals are most common in Michigan? WebOf this total, around 10,000 live in the Upper Peninsula, while 2,000 live in the Lower Peninsula. 13) Bull Elk Facebook There are very few of these HUGE mammals left in Michigan. There are an estimated 700 grey wolves in Michigan. Until the bridge was completed in 1957, travel between the two peninsulas was difficult and slow (and sometimes even impossible during winter). Its estimated that populations declined by around 50% over a decade-long period throughout their entire range. According to the DNR, wolves are native to Michigan and the current U.P. Summers tend to be warmer and winter nights much colder. When the scope is restricted to vertebrates, however, Michigan also has a lot of rodents like mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks. Most of the time you wont even know that you have bitten. Four of them have been detected in the state and the fifth one is just one you should know the symptoms of. The heavily forested land, soil types, short growing season, and logistical factors (e.g. Yes, the Upper Peninsula has a robust wolf population, numbering more than 600. The northwesternmost portion of the border follows a line from Lac Vieux Desert to the headwaters of the Montreal River. It can grow up to almost two feet in length once it is fully matured. Black-legged ticks can spread diseases like anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease. Small amounts of gold have also been discovered and mined. The majority of grey wolves in Michigan live in the Upper Peninsula. [2], The Upper Peninsula contains a large variety of wildlife. [58] It would be the least populous state in the union, and as stronger connections to the rest of Michigan have developed since completion of the Mackinac Bridge in the 1950s, the proposal has remained largely dormant since the 1970s. The Eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is one of the snake species that can be found in Michigans St. Marys River region. To report occurrences of these species, please contact MNFI at mnfi@msu.edu. They hide in the grass and shrubs and climb up the host for several hours before attaching. Because of the skiing, camping, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, hunting, and hiking opportunities, many Lower Peninsula and Wisconsin families spend their vacations in the UP, and tourists visit from Detroit, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Milwaukee, and other metropolitan areas. 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. Of the greatest concern is Lyme disease as it can affect joints and the central nervous system if left untreated. Mute swan in Michigan. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers will often steal the nests of other birds. and subsisted chiefly from fishing. The Great Lakes have a great effect on the larger part of the peninsula. When I go for my daily runs I often see herds of elk, deer, and bald eagles. It is home to beavers, otters, muskrats, bears, bobcats, coyotes, hares, plovers, hawks, owls, and all kinds of freshwater fish. 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 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. When winters arrive, it then travels south toward the Caribbean. 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. 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. Houghton County contributed 460 soldiers, while Marquette County, Michigan, sent 265. The Upper Peninsula was dominated by forest, with maple, beech and birch in the uplands, and cedar, spruce, and tamarack in wetter areas. ESCANABA, MI - The number of fungal disease cases associated with Billerud Paper Mill in Michigans Upper Peninsula has grown to 104, health officials said. West Nile Virus can cause seizures, muscle weakness, and confusion. 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. There are approximately 700 gray wolves living in Michigan and almost all of them reside in the Upper Peninsula. They tend to build paper-like nests in trees, vegetation, or even on decks and in garages. Proposals have been made to establish the UP as a separate state, but have failed to gain traction. For other uses, see, Northern major peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Airports of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Michigan is home to a variety of animals, and some can pose a threat to humans. Find camping and overnight lodging options, reservation info, rules and regulations and more. 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. Adult males can reach heights between 3 4 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 250 pounds when fully grown. Michigan is also well-known for its waterfowl populations. This makes identification easy. Some of the rarest creatures you might be lucky enough to encounter include the river otter, red-shouldered hawk, and northern bog lemming. 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 rest of the state is surrounded by four out of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. In 1819, the territory was expanded to include the remainder of the Upper Peninsula, all of what later became Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota (previously included in the Indiana and Illinois Territories). The name itself is a French translation of the original Ojibwe word mishigami, which means larger water or large lake. The Brown Recluse Spider is known to be one of the most dangerous animals living within the Michigan borders. The Brown Recluse Spider is known to be one of the most dangerous animals living within Sandhill crane in Michigan. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909 (517-284-9453). Michigan is represented by several different state animals. The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, coyotes, deer, foxes, bears, bobcats, eagles, hawks, owls, and smaller animals. Other common animals include snakes, cockroaches, turtles, frogs, butterflies, crickets and grasshoppers, and all kinds of freshwater fish such as bass and trout. Most wildlife living in Michigan is harmless. "The UP" redirects here. They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food. It has about 1,700 miles (2,700km) of continuous shoreline with the Great Lakes. Many ghost towns exist in the region.[64]. Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket. They prefer to attach to humans at the back of the neck near the base of the skull. 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. Well show you how to identify it, and why its dangerous. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE)[b] formed a four-person team to investigate sightings in the state. The wolfs main prey there are deer, elk, moose and beaver. The four counties that border Wisconsin are also in the Central Time Zone, unlike the rest of Michigan, which is on Eastern time. 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 As a result, the North American porcupine is commonly thought of as a North Woods animal. There are about 15 wolves that live on Michigans Isle Royale National Park. They whistle to each other to warn of approaching danger! 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. 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.