I’m not really into social media. You’d be hard-pressed to find me scrolling through TikTok or Instagram for anything that’s not work-related, with one big exception: animal videos.

They’re like my kryptonite, and I’ve often found myself going down a rabbit hole of cute videos. Before I know it, an hour can pass by with me just watching cats doing silly things.

Honestly, it’s a nice distraction from the current state of the world.

So I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that The ’Gander’s Ellery Weil had discovered that Michigan is quietly home to some of the internet’s most beloved viral animals.

From globe-trotting lost pets to snow-sliding otters, these furry Michiganders have captured millions of hearts far beyond the Mitten.

Data center moratoriums increase in Michigan (Bridge Michigan): Local officials and residents across Michigan are pushing back on a wave of proposed data centers, with at least 18 communities pausing approvals as they scramble to set rules on where and how the massive facilities can operate. The resistance follows new state tax breaks meant to lure Big Tech, with critics fearing loss of farmland, heavy energy and water use. Industry groups, meanwhile, assert that data centers are an economic boost.

Driver sentenced after brake-checking border patrol agents (ClickOnDetroit): A Michigan man who flipped off Border Patrol agents and twice cut in front of their vehicles on I-96 last summer, forcing them to brake while they transported immigration detainees, has been sentenced. Prosecutors said the sudden slowdowns caused people in the back of the patrol vehicles to be thrown against the interior. Jacob Nathaniel Len pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting or impeding officers and was sentenced to six months of probation and a $5,000 fine.

Meijer recalls nearly 40K gallons of water (WILX): Meijer is recalling more than 38,000 gallons of its store-brand distilled water in six states, including Michigan, after reports of a “floating black foreign substance” found in some jugs. The recall covers one-gallon Meijer Steam Distilled Water containers with red lids and a sell-by date of Oct. 4, 2026. Full recall details are here.

Michigan is home to an adorable variety of social media-famous animals. (Michael Deemer/Shutterstock)

By Ellery Weil

While Michigan is known as the Wolverine State, and is home to wild and wonderful wolverines, they aren’t the only critters that call the Mitten home. In fact, Michigan isn’t just home to a variety of animals, from wild creatures like birds, deer, and even bears, but also farm animals and beloved pets owned by Michiganders across the state. And animals, like people, sometimes do something so amazing that the inevitable happens: They go viral.

Now, you may have seen some of the funny, fierce, and furry friends on this list on your social media feeds. But did you know that they were Michiganders? Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t, or maybe you weren’t quite sure. Whatever the case, grab your four-legged (or even slithering or two-winged!) friends, and let’s take a look at some of Michigan’s most beloved viral animal stars:

Choco, the cross-country canine

For one family in California, 2025 ended with a genuine holiday miracle, courtesy of the Wolverine State, when Choco, their little brown wire-haired dachshund who had been missing for five years, was found alive and well in Detroit. No one is quite sure how Choco got from his home in Sacramento all the way to the Motor City, a journey of over 2,000 miles that ended with the pup tied to a fence outside an animal shelter, presumably by someone who was worried for him. Choco’s family had nearly given up hope their four-legged family member would be found, but thanks to the microchip his owners had fitted in him, he was able to be reunited with them.

Peanut, the deer Michigan saved

When people in the Mitten heard about plans to euthanize Peanut, a partially blind fawn who had missed a deadline to be released into the wild after a stay in a wildlife center, they sprang into action. A public campaign, including drawing Governor Whitmer’s attention to the case, was successful in securing a reprieve for Peanut. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had its wildlife division review the case, and now Peanut will be living at a wildlife facility and working as an educational animal ambassador.

Quigley and Slyde, Grand Rapids’ otterly adorable duo

When snow comes to Michigan, everyone has their favorite activities. Some love skiing, some love snowboarding, and some love curling up at home with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. But a rare few, like the dynamic duo of Quigley and Slyde, love slipping and sliding through the snow, not on sleds, but on their own furry bellies!

Quigley and Slyde are a pair of North American river otters who call the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids their home. Their antics delight visitors all year round, but most recently, they have been getting attention all over social media for their slipping and sliding in a snowfall. North American river otters live wild in Michigan, but can be very shy, while Quigley and Slyde are happy to enjoy the winter weather and show off for visitors.

Rae, the golden unicorn

This friendly, fluffy golden retriever has a rare trait that makes her unique: she was born with only one ear! Her name, Rae, is “ear” backwards for that reason. Rae’s adorably unique appearance (and a personality that makes her even cuter) caused her to go viral online, and she has over 180,000 followers on Instagram alone. Now a senior dog, Rae’s family regularly posts content about her adventures.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Ellery Weil. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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