Features
First Cougar Cubs Verified in Michigan in More Than a Century
LANSING, Mich. - For the first time in more than 100 years, cougar cubs have been discovered living in the Michigan wild. State biologists on Wednesday confirmed the existence of two cougar cubs on private land in Ontonagon County in the western Upper Peninsula. The spotted cubs, believed to be 7 to 9 weeks old, were verified from photographic evidence of the cubs taken March 6 by a local resident. This is the first time cougar cubs have been verified since the big cats were hunted out of existence in Michigan in the early 1900s, said Brian Roell, large carnivore specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Roell, a wildlife biologist for 26 years, led the team that verified the cubs.
“It’s pretty exciting, considering this could be the first known cougar reproduction in modern times in the western Great Lakes states,” said Roell, referring to Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. “It really shows that we have a unique place in Michigan where someone has a chance to see a wolf, a moose and a cougar in the wild. It’s something that should be celebrated, that we have the habitat to support an elusive animal like this.”
The cubs were spotted and photographed without their mother. Cougar cubs are highly dependent on their mothers, often staying with them for the first two years of life.
Although cougars are native to Michigan, most of them now appear to be transient animals, dispersing into Michigan from Western states. The DNR has verified 132 adult cougar reports, Roell said, but DNA testing has confirmed only male cougars to date.
The cubs have not been spotted since March 6. “Those young cougars are very vulnerable right now,” Roell said. “We don’t know where they are or if they’re even alive. Mother Nature can be very cruel.”
Sightings can be logged in the DNR’s Eyes in the Field reporting system. Roell said cougars are on the list of endangered mammals in Michigan, meaning it’s illegal to hunt or harass them, which includes trying to locate their den. It’s also illegal to trespass on private property, he noted.
For the latest information on cougars, including the DNR’s cougar sightings photo page, visit Michigan.gov/Cougar
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MSU Researcher Finds in-person Mental Health Treatment to be More Successful for Young Patients
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Anxiety is a common issue affecting youth. With more than 40% of children affected by chronic medical conditions and the resulting psychological impacts, many families struggle to find the most effective treatment to manage their child’s mental health concerns. A recent study led by researchers from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and DePaul University finds in-person mental health treatment to be more successful for young patients, despite a growing number of apps and online support.
Natoshia Cunningham, associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at MSU, in collaboration with Susan Tran, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at DePaul, found mental health treatment is better when technology complements, but does not replace, face-to-face therapy.
“Our research suggests the most effective psychological therapy is defined by the human connection,” said Cunningham. “This is something I’ve been shouting from the rooftops for years.”
Prior research has shown the most effective therapies for child anxiety are cognitive behavioral strategies, including relaxation and efforts to change thinking patterns. Cunningham’s study builds on that to highlight the importance of a live provider when addressing anxiety, particularly if a child has a chronic medical condition.
Cunningham collaborated with eight other researchers on the study, which was an invited systematic review and meta-analysis, which appears in a special edition of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.
Cunningham notes that childhood anxiety, if left unaddressed, can last into adolescence and early adulthood leading to additional mental health problems. Furthermore, her past work suggests anxiety in children with chronic health conditions is tied to greater functional impairment such as missed school days and social challenges.
“When a young patient is already battling a complicated diagnosis, anxiety and constant stress are not good for their health either,” said Cunningham.
More work is needed to improve mental health support for chronic conditions. Cunningham develops and tests tailored psychological treatment approaches to support youth with different conditions such as abdominal pain disorders and lupus.
Cunningham also is exploring options to train school nurses and other professionals who work with children in using cognitive behavioral strategies to manage symptoms. When possible, working with an appropriately trained provider may be the key ingredient for optimal care.
By: Dalin Clark
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Lansing Community College to host Program and Career Showcase
LANSING, Michigan – Lansing Community College will host its annual Program and Career Showcase on Wednesday, March 26, from 4-6:30 p.m. at LCC’s West Campus.
The event is specifically targeted toward prospective college students with a focus on high school students exploring options for higher education, and adults who may want to change or advance their career.
The event gives attendees a chance to explore different LCC programs in a dynamic environment, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and connect with faculty and staff.
Programs from both Downtown and West Campus will be in attendance and include areas related to:
- Health and Human Services
- Science and Mathematics
- Technical Careers
- Liberal Arts
The event is free and open to the public, LCC students, and alumni. To register, interested parties should visit the Program and Career Showcase webpage and RSVP.