Edmund Fitzgerald sank at the eastern edge of the area of high wind where the long fetch, or distance that wind blows over water, produced significant waves averaging over 23 feet (7.0 m) by 7:00 p.m. and over 25 feet (7.6 m) at 8:00 p.m. The simulation also showed one in 100 waves reaching 36 feet (11 m) and one out …

True tides—changes in water level caused by the gravitational forces of the sun and moon—do occur in a semi-diurnal (twice daily) pattern on the Great Lakes. Consequently, the Great Lakes are considered to be non-tidal. Water levels in the Great Lakes have long-term, annual, and short-term variations.

But tsunamis on the Great Lakes, known as ‘meteotsunamis’, can also happen. These are described as a rather unfamiliar phenomenon, but they have actually been happening often over the years. June 26, 1954: A 10-foot, meteotsunami-caused wave swept fishermen off a pier on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago.

No bodies were ever recovered from the wreckage. Later when the wreck was found, it was discovered that the ship had broken in two. It still sits on the bottom of Lake Superior at 530 feet deep. Layout of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Whale Sightings. Each year we report the movements of the whales on Lake Superior. The reports are sightings sent by residents and visitors along the North Shore of Lake Superior. If you spot whale activity, let us know by filling out the form on the right!

Michigan’s Top Ten “Most Dangerous” Cities for 2021

• DETROIT. Google Maps.
• KALAMAZOO. Google Maps.
• JACKSON. Google Maps.
• LANSING TOWNSHIP. Google Maps.
• THREE RIVERS. Google Maps.
• BENTON HARBOR. Google Maps.
• HIGHLAND PARK. Google Maps.
• YPSILANTI. Google Maps.

“There is wide variation in the coyote’s color, but generally their upper body is yellowish gray, and the fur covering the throat and belly is white to cream color. The coyote’s ears are pointed and stand up, unlike the ears of domestic dogs that often droop,” the DNR said.

Cougars, also called mountain lions or pumas, are native to Michigan and would have been found here prior to European colonization of the region. Early European settlers, however, saw the cat as a threat to them and their livestock, as well as a competitor for venison and other wild game.

Reports of “black panther” sightings have been… We are not talking about a radical self defense club but rather a large feline. Reports of “black panther” sightings have been trickling in since 1984 all over Michigan. There is no one distinct species of wild cat called a black panther.

Michigan’s Rare Animals

Wolves occasionally are spotted in the northern Lower Peninsula but no established population is known to exist there. Wolves had mostly disappeared from most of the Lower 48 states in the last century because of shooting, trapping and poisoning, with support from government bounty programs.

The Michigan DNR has confirmed 12 cougar sightings in 2020, all in the Upper Peninsula. In 2020, the DNR has 12 confirmed reports of cougars in Michigan, all in the Upper Peninsula.

Coyotes are generally timid and shy animals that tend to steer clear of any potential danger and thus, pose little threat to humans. While there has been no documented injuries to humans from coyotes in Michigan, some western states have reported coyote attacks on human beings.

Coyote hunting and trapping seasons are available statewide. If problems exist outside regular hunting or trapping seasons, coyotes can be killed without a license on private land by the landowner or a designee if the coyote is doing or about to do damage to private property, pets, livestock, or humans.

Coyote Regulations Michigan’s current daytime coyote hunting season is statewide from July 15 to April 15. All year, an individual may take a coyote on private property when coyotes are doing or about to do damage; a license is not required and the individual is considered to be taking under a permit.