Though it’s called the Wolverine State, there’s no evidence wolverines ever lived in Michigan—just a lot of tall tales about how it acquired the nickname. Most likely, early fur traders brought wolverine pelts to the numerous trading posts here.
With more than half the state forested, Michigan harbors lots of red foxes, skunks, squirrels, badgers, minks, muskrats, bats, and other small mammals. The state has a huge—and problematic—population of white-tailed deer throughout, and a very healthy number of black bears in its northern reaches. Elk can be found in the northeastern portion of the L.P., part of a successful reintroduction program. Wolves, moose, bobcats, and cougars live in secluded areas of the U.P. [1]
Some 300 kinds of birds live in the state, including such notable species as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, loons, swans, herons, and dozens of songbirds. Hunting is popular for game birds such as ducks, geese, grouse, and pheasant. Michigan lies on a major migratory pathway, so it offers excellent bird-watching in spring and fall. Of special note is the hawk migration, as thousands fly between the southern Lower Peninsula and Canada.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/michigan/michigan-s-upper-peninsula