Of the greatest concern is Lyme disease as it can affect joints and the central nervous system if left untreated. [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. Historically, the Upper Peninsula tended to vote for the Democratic Party due to its legacy of mining and historically high union membership. White-tailed deer are another common animal found throughout Michigans forests and fields. During courtship, males put on exciting displays by fluffing their plumage, spreading their tails, and letting out a whining call. 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. The Upper Peninsula contains 29% of the land area of Michigan but only 3% of its total population; at the height of the mining and timber era in the early 20th century it had as much as 11% of the state's population. If you are bitten by one, it is best to visit a doctor immediately. 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. Houghton County contributed 460 soldiers, while Marquette County, Michigan, sent 265. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan also known as Upper Michigan or colloquially the U.P. Beginning in 1923, the State of Michigan operated automobile ferries between the two peninsulas. The opening of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 (see below) has made the Upper Peninsula easily accessible to tourists from the Lower Peninsula and southeast of Michigan, and has helped make the UP a year-round tourist destination. Many ghost towns exist in the region.[64]. [10] The rock in the western portion is the result of volcanic eruptions and is estimated to be at least 3.5billion years old (much older than the eastern portion) and contains the region's ore resources. Lone star tick: Sometimes present in wooded and grassy areas across Michigan. [93] Fresh Great Lakes fish, such as the lake trout, whitefish, and (in the spring) smelt are widely eaten. However, the four counties bordering Wisconsin are in the Central Time zone. It is not contagious from person to person or between people and animals. Upper Peninsula natives speak a dialect influenced by Scandinavian and French-Canadian speech. [71][72] In 2019, their annual economic impact totaled $346 million. Finally, there is the mighty moose, one of the largest land mammals on earth! They've since expanded northwards throughout the 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. Their amazing speeds and razor-sharp teeth make them extremely threatening. These rattlesnakes have heart-shaped heads, vertical pupils, and thick bodies. 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. [89][90] Residents are known as Yoopers (from "UP-ers"), and many consider themselves Yoopers before they consider themselves Michiganders. Piping Plover This small shorebird nests and feeds along both freshwater and saltwater beaches throughout North America. Red-shouldered Hawk Red-shouldered hawks are typically seen soaring in wooded areas throughout the state. Blacklegged tick: Present on low forest vegetation and along human and [citation needed] There is only one control tower in the Upper Peninsula, at Sawyer.[82]. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to Traverse City on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a federally protected area composed of forests, beaches, dunes, and ancient glacial features. Sandhill crane in Michigan. The name itself is a French translation of the original Ojibwe word mishigami, which means larger water or large lake. Following the end of the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Years' War) in 1763, the territory was ceded to Great Britain. Until the bridge was completed in 1957, travel between the two peninsulas was difficult and slow (and sometimes even impossible during winter). 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. Hartwig Pines State Park, located along the east branch of the Au Sable River in Crawford County of the northeastern Lower Peninsula, covers nearly 10,000 acres of forests, including a remnant of old-growth white pine and red pine forest dating back centuries. This makes identification easy. 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. [33] Lake-effect snow can cause blinding whiteouts in just minutes, and some storms can last for days. At the very least, their bites are extremely painful. Rat snakes and milk snakes are both common species of snake found in Michigan. Regardless of where you live in Michigan, youre sure to find an array of vibrant wildflowers blooming throughout spring and summer. 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. Use the button above to visit the target shooing and archery home page, or go directly to one of the pages below: Find snowmobile trail permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. In Michigan black bears, gray wolves and cougars should be indicators of the healthy state of the ecosystem. Deer, rodents, bats, foxes, moles, opossums, raccoons, and skunks rank as some of the most common mammals in the state. 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. It can grow up to almost two feet in length once it is fully matured. Other common animals include snakes, cockroaches, turtles, frogs, butterflies, crickets and grasshoppers, and all kinds of freshwater fish such as bass and trout. 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. The American Bird Conservancy and the National Audubon Society have designated several locations as internationally Important Bird Areas.[15]. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. French colonists laid claim to the land in the 17th century, establishing missions and fur trading posts such as Sault Ste. This includes three from Dickinson County, two from Marquette County and one each from Baraga, Delta, Houghton, Luce, and Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. Beech bark disease and beech leaf disease both target species of beech trees. In 2005, ShermanTravel, LLC listed the Upper Peninsula as #10 in its assessment of all travel destinations worldwide. There are approximately 17,000 black bears living in Michigan, and they mostly live in the upper peninsula. Sault Ste Marie is the oldest European settlement in Michigan and the site of Native American settlements for centuries. The dialect and culture are captured in many songs by Da Yoopers, a comedy music and skit troupe from Ishpeming, Michigan. Rabbits in Texas (3 Species Plus One Hare), 20 Species of Lizards in Texas (With Pictures), 15 Types of Butterflies in Michigan (Pictures), 12Species of Ducks in Michigan (Pictures), black bear populations around the country, Rattlesnakes in Colorado (3 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Michigan (Pictures), 10 Types of Turtles in Michigan (With Pictures), 22 Types of Turtles in Alabama (Pictures), 9 Types of Turtles in Minnesota (Pictures), 14 Types of Turtles in Texas (With Pictures), 13 Types of Turtles in North Carolina (Pictures). The first wave were the Cornish from Great Britain, with centuries of mining experience; followed by Irish, Germans, and French Canadians. Michigan is home to a wide variety of wildlife, some that is harmless and some that can be dangerous. The sparsely populated northern half of the state is rich in all kinds of forest-dwelling wildlife and shorebirds. It reaches about 4.5 feet long and weighs up to 660 pounds. Ten mountain lion sightings have now been confirmed in Michigans Upper Peninsula in 2021, according to the DNR. Some of the rarest creatures you might be lucky enough to encounter include the river otter, red-shouldered hawk, and northern bog lemming. Use the button above to visit the hunting home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Find ORV license and permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. There are 19 other public use airports with a hard surface runway. 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. Other sizable ethnic communities in the Upper Peninsula include French-Canadian, German, Cornish, Italian, and Ojibwe ancestry. Two of the most dangerous diseases that mosquitoes spread are the West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Summers tend to be warmer and winter nights much colder. Moving southward on the Lower Peninsula, people visit Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area for sightings of black bears, river otters, and sandhill cranes. Of the approximately 17,000 black bears that live in Michigan, 90 percent live in the Upper Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Michigan is home to a variety of large animals, including some of the largest in North America. Animals like bears or large cats have been known to attack humans if provoked, so these are certainly included on this list. 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. Paper Wasps have slender bodies that are a little less than an inch long. Calendars: The Great Lakes have a great effect on the larger part of the peninsula. Rattlesnakes are the most dangerous type of venomous snake in Michigan. [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. Its estimated that populations declined by around 50% over a decade-long period throughout their entire range. Wolf range is approximately 25 percent of the map shown, including 90 percent of the Upper Peninsula and 100 percent on Isle Royale. The Easter Massasauga Rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in Michigan. WebOf this total, around 10,000 live in the Upper Peninsula, while 2,000 live in the Lower Peninsula. Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes. Mount Arvon, the highest point in Michigan, is found in the region, as well as the Porcupine and Huron mountains. They are venomous and, unlike bees, do not die after one sting. There are about 4,300inland lakes, the largest of which is Lake Gogebic, and 12,000 miles (19,000km) of streams.[9]. 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. "[2] This belief changed when rich mineral deposits (primarily copper and iron) were discovered in the 1840s. (The peninsula includes the only counties in the United States where a plurality of residents claim Finnish ancestry. In the Upper Peninsula, two bobcats may be taken by hunters and trappers as long as one is captured on private land. However, there are a few species that if provoked can cause some serious harm. Michigan is represented by several different state animals. [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. Mute swan in Michigan. WebPorcupines currently inhabit Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the northern part of our Lower Peninsula. They include: The porbeagle is one of the few sharks that jumps out of the water. A skiing purist's resort, Bohemia is a self-proclaimed "experts only" mountain, and it does not groom its heavily gladed slopes. As a result, the North American porcupine is commonly thought of as a North Woods animal. From venomous spiders to 2-foot long rattlesnakes, a few species living in Michigan can be downright terrifying. [79] MDOT has also designated five UP highways as Pure Michigan Byways for their historic, recreational or scenic qualities. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Downy woodpecker in Michigan. 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. [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). Brown Recluse Spiders are most commonly found in the counties surrounding the Ohio and Indiana borders. Similar to Brown Recluse Spiders, Black Widows are dangerous, because they are venomous. The six westernmost counties experienced the largest decrease, from a 1920 population of 153,674 to a 2020 population of 79,392. Two ferry companies run passenger ferries from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food. 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. 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]. 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. Death due to Black Bear attacks only account for one death per year annually. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. 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]. 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. [6] A 1926 Supreme Court decision awarded this tract of land to Wisconsin. However, these spiders are venomous. Most attacks occur when there is a cub involved or if the bear is attacking a human as a last resort for food. Use the button above to visit the fishing home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Get all your hunting information here, including hunting season dates, rules and regulations, and much more. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. However, its small size is actually what makes it so dangerous. Click the box above to see all our locations, or click the individual location below. [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. Hines Emerald Dragonfly Native to the Midwest, this species is characterized a luminous dark green hue and two yellow stripes on the sides. Thank you for visiting! Poweshiek Skipperling Identified by its luminous strange, looking brown and orange wings, this rare prairie butterfly once stretched across most of the Midwest, but it has since suffered from habitat degradation. Most of the time you wont even know that you have bitten. The three major bridges in the Upper Peninsula are: Despite its rural character, there are public buses in several counties of the Upper Peninsula.[83]. In summer, it might be 10F (5.6C) cooler at lakeside than it is inland, and the opposite effect is seen in winter. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area attracts thousands of ducks each year from October through April. They are grey or light brown with large chocolate-brown splotches. Public Meetings; Both species tend to prefer dry habitats away from standing water sources, such as woodlands and prairies. If you do find yourself face-to-face with a black bear it is important to remain calm, but identify yourself as a human by talking slowly. Coastal communities have temperatures tempered by the Great Lakes. [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. [citation needed] In the 2012 presidential election, Republican candidate Mitt Romney carried all but two counties. [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. The freshwater jellyfish is native to China but is now found all over the world. 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. 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? At the time, Michigan was considered the losing party in the compromise. On Nov. 8, 2019, a trail camera captured multiple photos of a cougar in western Schoolcraft County. 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, These massive creatures stand over 6 feet tall and can weigh as much as 1,800 pounds! 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. Originally the casinos were simple, one-room affairs. [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. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Human activities such as urban development can also contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation, which reduces available resources for native wildlife. The wolfs main prey there are deer, elk, moose and beaver. 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. They have a light brown hue with yellow spots and are found near rocks and inside logs. However, they can also be found near rocky outcroppings and open fields where there is plenty of covers for them to hide in or around. A "" indicates an increase in population from the previous census, and a "" indicates a decrease in population from the previous census. The heavily forested land, soil types, short growing season, and logistical factors (e.g. The three biggest animals found in Michigan are the American Bison, White-tailed Deer, and Moose. 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. 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. Unless otherwise stated, each hunter is only permitted to hunt one bobcat in the states Lower Peninsula. The American Bison is an iconic species that was once abundant across much of North America. Paper Wasp stings can be painful and cause redness and swelling. If you want to learn more about the meaning behind each detail of the flag, find out more about the flag here. Its largest cities are Marquette, Sault Ste. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. [59], The Upper Peninsula remains a predominantly rural region. The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to bald eagles, ospreys, and other raptors that soar over forested areas such as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. WebFor more on this topic, see this story on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. These include trilliums, violets, columbines, daisies, and more, each with its own beauty that adds color and life to our wonderful state! Any of these can be seen both in the Upper or 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 Polyphemus moth doesnt and can't eat, except when it's a caterpillar! 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. For many years, mines in the Keweenaw Peninsula were the world's largest producers of copper (see Copper mining in Michigan). Here is a look at a few species that you want to avoid next time you are in Michigan and how to identify them. Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket. Eastern hognose snakes are venomous, but only to frogs and toads. 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. The Black-legged Tick, also known as the deer tick, can seem relatively harmless due to its small size. brown recluse spider. Michigan coyotes in most of the Lower Peninsula are the top dogs in the local food chain and can dine on a wide variety of small animals, including rabbits and

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