Sexy 'Cougar' Calendar Cover Model is New Tampa Resident

Although she is on the cover of the 2012 Cougars of Florida calendar, Tampa Palms resident Michele Yeager is not a “cougar” herself. At least not in the traditional definition of an older woman who preys on men several years her junior.

“I wouldn’t apply to that,” said the 41-year-old model, commercial actress, mother and licensed massage therapist. “My husband is 17 years older.”

But according to the website for the sexy calendar, which will benefit Tampa's Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary, most of us have it wrong about what a cougar is anyway.

“I know many women think that a cougar is a derogatory word used to describe women who only prefer younger men. Nothing could be farther from the truth,” the website states. “A Real Cougar … is any woman over 40 who is turned on and excited about life.”

By that standard, Yeager said she is all in, adding real cougars stay in shape and are independent and strong-willed.

Yeager’s resume includes modeling for print catalogs, a recent live spot on the HSN television network, Boating Magazine’s swimsuit edition and a previous segment for 620 WDAE-AM The Sports Animal called “Sports Flash with Michele.”

Yeager was introduced to the Cougars of Florida project when a photographer found her through a modeling industry website and asked her to be one of several women participating in the charitable cause. Proceeds from the sale of the calendars will be given to Big Cat, a sanctuary that houses more than 100 exotic cats including tigers, cougars and lions.

“Because I love animals so much, I was all over it,” Yeager said of the project.

Yeager’s pictures, one of which shows her along the shoreline in a bikini, were taken at Honeymoon Island and Philippe Park.

What did her family and friends say when they learned she had landed on the cover?

“They think it’s great,” she said. “They’re proud of me for whatever I do. They know I’m not a, quote, cougar.”

For more information

The calendar costs $14.95, which includes shipping and handling. It can be purchased online at the cougarsofflorida.com website. To learn more about Yeager, visit msmichele.com on the web.

There will also be a Cougars of Florida calendar signing on Sept. 29 at Blue Martini at International Plaza, Yeager said. The event starts at 7 p.m.