WebMichigan is represented by several different state animals. WebEastern bluebirds in Michigan. Beech bark disease and beech leaf disease both target Until the bridge was completed in 1957, travel between the two peninsulas was difficult and slow (and sometimes even impossible during winter). In the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, Republican candidate Donald Trump won all counties except Marquette County. It reaches about 4.5 feet long and weighs up to 660 pounds. [11], The Keweenaw Peninsula is the northernmost part of the peninsula (not counting Isle Royale, which is politically part of the UP). The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. 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. "[2] This belief changed when rich mineral deposits (primarily copper and iron) were discovered in the 1840s. They are especially dangerous and can be lethal to those who have an allergic reaction to their stings. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan also known as Upper Michigan or colloquially the U.P. The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to several ski areas. Michigans native plant species are incredibly diverse due to the states unique climate and landscape. They prefer to attach to humans at the back of the neck near the base of the skull. There are many places in Michigan where you can see wildlife. In 1881, the Mackin Some folklore associate Black Witch Moths with bad luck (and even death! If you want to learn more about the meaning behind each detail of the flag, find out more about the flag here. 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. [78] State-maintained highways closest to the Upper Peninsula's Great Lakes shorelines are marked by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) with signs indicating that they are part of the Great Lakes Circle Tour, a designated scenic road system connecting all of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. It has many of the same animals as the other state parks. Whereas the French cultivated alliances among the Indians, the British postwar approach was to treat the tribes as conquered peoples. All of the higher areas are the remnants of ancient peaks, worn down over millions of years by erosion and glaciers. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, only venomous snake in the entire state of Michigan, most gorgeous waterfalls in Upper Michigan, Yellowish Cuckoo Bumblebee (formerly Fernalds Cuckoo Bumblebee), Michigan is home to a number of aquariums. 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]. As a result, Michigan has more freshwater coastal dunes than any state in the entire country. Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below. Located in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwest, Michigan is a temperate state containing numerous lakes, expansive grasslands, waterfalls, and immense forests. Until the bridge was completed in 1957, travel between the two peninsulas was difficult and slow (and sometimes even impossible during winter). Beech bark disease and beech leaf disease both target species of beech trees. Their amazing speeds and razor-sharp teeth make them extremely threatening. Sault Ste Marie is the oldest European settlement in Michigan and the site of Native American settlements for centuries. [citation needed] As of 2020[update], Marquette County is home to one remaining iron ore mine and one nickel and copper mine. Hunting and Fishing; [59], The Upper Peninsula remains a predominantly rural region. Symptoms from the bite can include burning, swelling, muscle pain, and paralysis of the diaphragm. Volunteer Opportunities; This section will discuss the most dangerous wild animals in Michigan that have direct contact with people. Grey wolves travel in packs and typically stay within their packs territory. Like ticks, mosquitoes themselves are more of an annoyance than a danger. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Lake Superior has the greatest effect on the area, especially the northern and western parts. The Upper Peninsula has a distinctive local cuisine. One of the most well-known of the arachnids, the Black Widow Spider, is commonly found in the western lower peninsula of Michigan. Black bears can be identified by their black fur. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. While the snake wont attack you unless provoked, their bites can be very dangerous. Michigan wolf population at nearly 700 but leveling off By JOHN FLESHER July 27, 2020 TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) Michigans gray wolves appear to have stabilized at a healthy level three decades after beginning a remarkable comeback in the Upper Peninsula, wildlife officials said Monday. The name Massasauga comes from the Chippewa language, meaning Great River Mouth. Habitat loss is thought to be the main reason behind its population decline. Banded-iron formations were deposited 2billion years ago; this is the Marquette Range Supergroup. 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. President Andrew Jackson's government offered the remainder of the Upper Peninsula to Michigan if it would cede the Toledo Strip to Ohio. Wolves hunt in packs and innately chase after prey that is fleeing. 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. [68] Stands of hemlock and hardwood in the western reaches of the forest experienced larger scale selection-cutting beginning in the mid-20th century. Find camping and overnight lodging options, reservation info, rules and regulations and more. The rest of the state is surrounded by four out of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. Kirtland warbler in Michigan. NEW! American Indian tribes formerly allied with the French were dissatisfied with the British occupation, which brought new territorial policies. Thimbleberry jam and chokecherry jelly are a treat.[95]. NEW! In Michigan, the Southern Lower Peninsulas bobcat shooting season runs from January 1 to January 11. Pasty varieties include chicken, venison, pork, hamburger, and pizza, all of which many restaurants serve. WebOf this total, around 10,000 live in the Upper Peninsula, while 2,000 live in the Lower Peninsula. [2] The coldest temperature officially recorded in the Upper Peninsula was 48F (44C) in Humboldt in January 1915.[35]. Teddy Yakson as Tahquamenon Falls State Park, located near the town of Paradise in the Upper Peninsula, is the second largest park in the state. Mitchells Satyr This small butterfly is characterized by brown wings with rows of round black and yellow eyespots on the underside. It was the largest supplier of iron ore by the 1890s, and production continued to a peak in the 1920s, but sharply declined shortly afterward. Northern Bog Lemming Northern bog lemmings are small rodents that inhabit wetland habitats like bogs and marshes near lakeshores or wetlands with brushy vegetation. Michigan is represented by several different state animals. This is a result of both proximity and the broadcast and print media of the area. There are over 60 different species of mosquitoes living in Michigan, so they can be found practically anywhere. Moving southward on the Lower Peninsula, people visit Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area for sightings of black bears, river otters, and sandhill cranes. Finally, there is the mighty moose, one of the largest land mammals on earth! Because of the surrounding waters and northern latitude, it receives more snow than most of the eastern U.S. Fatalities are rare but are most common in children and the elderly. However, its small size is actually what makes it so dangerous. After being nearly extirpated from the conterminous United States, gray wolves survived in the remote northeastern corner of Minnesota and Ontario. A considerable amount of bedrock is visible. Mount Arvon, the highest point in Michigan, is found in the region, as well as the Porcupine and Huron mountains. Wilderness State Park is located immediately to the west of Mackinaw City near the upper tip of the Lower Peninsula. The UP also contains many shellfish, such as clams, aquatic snails, and crayfish. It has about 1,700 miles (2,700km) of continuous shoreline with the Great Lakes. They are venomous and, unlike bees, do not die after one sting. Beginning in 1923, the State of Michigan operated automobile ferries between the two peninsulas. https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json. [21] Several residents in the state disagree with both current and previous positions on the part of the DNRE. 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? The bison can reach heights of up to 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 2,000 pounds! 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. The first wave were the Cornish from Great Britain, with centuries of mining experience; followed by Irish, Germans, and French Canadians. No new permits are being issued. They also range northward to Labrador in the east and Northern Alaska in the west. Originally the casinos were simple, one-room affairs. 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. Bats sleeping in a cluster, hanging upside down from a rocky surface. The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to bald eagles, ospreys, and other raptors that soar over forested areas such as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. 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. Many ghost towns exist in the region.[64]. Some Finnish foods such as juusto (squeaky cheese, essentially a cheese curd, like Leipjuusto) and saunamakkara (a ring-bologna sausage) have become so ubiquitous in Upper Peninsula cuisine that they are now commonly found in most grocery stores and supermarkets. [3], From 1861 to 1865, 90,000 Michigan men fought in the American Civil War, including 1,209 from the Upper Peninsula. 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. There are approximately 17,000 black bears living in michigan, and they mostly live in the upper peninsula. If you are bitten by one, it is best to visit a doctor immediately. 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. Downy woodpecker in Michigan. Most wildlife living in Michigan is harmless. At the very least, their bites are extremely painful. Indiana Bat Native to southern Michigan, the Indiana bat is a medium-sized mouse-eared species. 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]. This is about 48 miles from the southern Marquette County photo taken on October 6. Blacklegged tick: Present on low forest vegetation and along human and Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. However, they do have relatively long lifespans and can live up to 10 years in captivity. The largest animal in Michigan is the black bear. A skiing purist's resort, Bohemia is a self-proclaimed "experts only" mountain, and it does not groom its heavily gladed slopes. NEW! long distance to market, lack of infrastructure) make the Upper Peninsula poorly suited for agriculture. Regardless of where you live in Michigan, youre sure to find an array of vibrant wildflowers blooming throughout spring and summer. Most attacks occur when there is a cub involved or if the bear is attacking a human as a last resort for food. Hines Emerald Dragonfly Native to the Midwest, this species is characterized a luminous dark green hue and two yellow stripes on the sides. Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact and making yourself as large as possible. The western They have a light brown hue with yellow spots and are found near rocks and inside logs. WebThe northern Lower Peninsula was dominated by sugar maple, beech, Eastern hemlock and white pine forests, and also had plant communities that depended on fire, including jack pine and oak-pine barrens. Meanwhile, the people of Michigan approved a constitution in May 1835 and elected state officials in late autumn 1835. 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. 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. From the state flower to the only flower completely endemic to the region, read more on the native plants in Michigan. [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. Five Michigan Upper Peninsula counties include nearby major islands: Mackinac Island, Round Island and Bois Blanc Island in Lake Huron are in Mackinac County; Sugar Island and Neebish Island in the St. Marys River, and Drummond Island in Lake Huron are in Chippewa County; Grand Island is in Alger County; Summer Island is Delta County; and Isle Royale is part of Keweenaw County.The peninsula is divided between the flat, swampy areas in the east, part of the Great Lakes Plain, and the steeper, more rugged western half, called the Superior Upland, part of the Canadian Shield. They've since expanded northwards throughout the [citation needed] In the 2012 presidential election, Republican candidate Mitt Romney carried all but two counties. 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 is composed of two discontinuous peninsulas, connected artificially at the closest point by the Mackinac Bridge. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting wild animals so that future generations can enjoy them too. [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. As tiger trout are sterile, they cannot produce offspring. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area attracts thousands of ducks each year from October through April. 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. [12] Copper Island is its northernmost section. 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. 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. Wolves are carnivores and primarily eat deer but will also eat smaller mammals like rabbits and rodents. 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. 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. 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. [77] In winter, travel was possible over the ice only after the straits had solidly frozen. [2] All these animals have become increasingly rare due to habitat destruction or other human interference, so if you do see any of them on your travels through Michigan, consider yourself very fortunate! There are 15 counties in the Upper Peninsula. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes are considered more venomous than most other venomous snakes. As noted earlier, only one of these snakes is venomous, which is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Of the greatest concern is Lyme disease as it can affect joints and the central nervous system if left untreated. Covering some 10,000 acres of hardwood forests and shorelines, it is home to one of Michigans largest remaining populations of piping plovers, plus many of the aforementioned wild animals. Although heavily logged in the 19th century, the majority of the land was forested with mature trees by the 1970s. Calendars: [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 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. Historically, the Upper Peninsula tended to vote for the Democratic Party due to its legacy of mining and historically high union membership. When it comes to animals, Michigan is home to a wide variety of species. Following the end of the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Years' War) in 1763, the territory was ceded to Great Britain. 13) Bull Elk Facebook There are very few of these HUGE mammals left in Michigan. The wolverine is a powerful and fierce predator native to Michigan, making it an ideal choice for the states nickname. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Most of the time you wont even know that you have bitten. Other common animals include snakes, cockroaches, turtles, frogs, butterflies, crickets and grasshoppers, and all kinds of freshwater fish such as bass and trout. They have a symbiotic relationship with ants. Residents of the western Upper Peninsula take on some of the cultural identities of both Wisconsin and Michigan. The American Bison is an iconic species that was once abundant across much of North America. 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. 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. There are five public access airports with turf runways and thirteen airports for the private use of their owners. There are a total of 18 snakes in Michigan. [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. There are about 4,300inland lakes, the largest of which is Lake Gogebic, and 12,000 miles (19,000km) of streams.[9]. The yak is joining the family-owned zoos growing population of exotic animals, including sloths, frogs, reindeer, kookburra and more. Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Further up the peninsula in the small town of Lac La Belle is Mt. Karner Blue Butterfly Identified by its purple-bluish wings and strange yellow spots, Karner blue is native to the Great Lakes states and the larger Midwest. 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. 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). [14], About one-third of the peninsula is government-owned recreational forest land today, including the Ottawa National Forest and Hiawatha National Forest. Two of the most dangerous diseases that mosquitoes spread are the West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). An analysis of data collected in 2022 produced an estimate of 631 wolves, give or take 49, the Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday. The northwesternmost portion of the border follows a line from Lac Vieux Desert to the headwaters of the Montreal River. Piping Plover This small shorebird nests and feeds along both freshwater and saltwater beaches throughout North America. ), while other associates them with good fortune. In some cases, commercial cartographers draw incorrect maps that inadvertently annex the Upper Peninsula into Wisconsin.[92]. DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. They are unlikely to be encountered by the average person, however. The Mourning Warbler was named for its gray head, which resembles a mourning veil! The Common Yellowthroat stays close to the ground and uses stealth to survive! Finnish immigrants contributed nisu, a cardamom-flavored sweet bread; limppu, an Eastern Finnish rye bread; pannukakku, a variant on the pancake with a custard flavor; viili (sometimes spelled "fellia"), a stretchy, fermented Finnish milk; and korppu, hard slices of toasted cinnamon bread, traditionally dipped in coffee. WebFor more on this topic, see this story on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. In 1967, when the Uniform Time Act came into effect, the Upper Peninsula went under year-round CST, with no daylight saving time. 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. Other sizable ethnic communities in the Upper Peninsula include French-Canadian, German, Cornish, Italian, and Ojibwe ancestry. 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. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. If you do come across one, back away slowly without making any sudden movements this will give both parties time to get out safely! Classes & Workshops; [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. However, there are a few species that if provoked can cause some serious harm. Rattlesnakes are the most dangerous type of venomous snake in Michigan. WebCoyote hunting and trapping seasons are available statewide. Public Meetings; They are mostly black with yellow markings. Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats in Michigan, including woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and even urban areas. Eastern milk snakes are relatively common throughout the Eastern United States, including Michigan. Wolverines were once commonly seen across Michigan, but by the early 1800s, their numbers had decreased significantly due to hunting and habitat loss. ESCANABA, MI - The number of fungal disease cases associated with Billerud Paper Mill in Michigans Upper Peninsula has grown to 104, health officials said. Paper Wasps are very common in Michigan and can be very dangerous if provoked. It has been illegal to own a cougar or large exotic cats such as African lions, leopards, and jaguars, in Michigan since 2000. 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. Michigan is home to many species of animals, some of which are endangered or threatened. Houghton County contributed 460 soldiers, while Marquette County, Michigan, sent 265. Mockingbirds are incredible mimics that can learn hundreds of songs! When Michigan applied for statehood in the 1830s, the proposal corresponded to the original territorial boundaries. [2] The Eagle Mine, a nickel-copper mine, opened in 2014. Its largest cities are Marquette, Sault Ste. [6] A 1926 Supreme Court decision awarded this tract of land to Wisconsin. The land in the Upper Peninsula was described in a federal report as a "sterile region on the shores of Lake Superior destined by soil and climate to remain forever a wilderness. [93] Fresh Great Lakes fish, such as the lake trout, whitefish, and (in the spring) smelt are widely eaten. During the 1890s, Finnish immigrants began settling there in large numbers, forming the population plurality in the northwestern half of the peninsula.
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