wildlife

A special presentation of On Hand, answering your questions about all things Michigan. Why do we call ourselves “Michiganders?” Is it really that pricey to be rescued at Sleeping Bear Dunes? And is Michigan a hotspot for black squirrels?

Michigan State University hires a new football coach, a Detroit-based food journalist talks about using SNAP benefits, and a biology professor discusses how wildlife survives Michigan winters.

A series of proposals by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources would give Michigan hunters more time to harvest elk in 2026 and 2027.

The likelihood of hitting an animal with your car in Michigan is more than twice as high as the national average, based on State Farm data from the past year.

The DNR has reported 26 confirmed cougar sightings in 2025 so far, all in the Upper Peninsula. Experts say it's because there's more cougars and more trail cameras in use.

A northern Michigan black bear had to be sedated to remove a plastic lid that was stuck on its neck for two years. Also, how labor statistics are recorded and their significance, and where "rule of law" stands in 2025 under the Trump administration.

Michigan researchers are studying why the Upper Peninsula’s moose population is stagnant. There are about half as many moose as expected after repopulation in the 1980s.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the hummingbird most commonly found in the mitten state. Sightings of the species have been recently reported in the southern areas of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Today, what to know about Michigan’s new paid sick leave laws. Also, a preview of all the fun you’ll find at our upcoming Valentine’s Day party in metro Grand Rapids. Plus, we’ll learn what happens to all the Michigan wildlife that doesn’t get to snuggle under a blanket by the fire during our state’s frigid winters.

The National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count is underway until January 5. Coordinated visits to hundreds of sites in the U.S. and Canada to count birds depend on volunteers. There are about 80 sites in Michigan and more than 70 in Ohio.