A SURVEY OF RECENT ACCOUNTS OF THE MOUNTAIN LION (PUMA CONCOLOR) IN ARKANSAS

David W. Clark, Steffany C. White, Annalea K. Bowers, Leah D. Lucio, Gary A. Heidt
2002 Southeastern naturalist (Steuben, Me.)  
We collected physical evidence (scats and tracks) that suggested the presence of 1 or more mountain lions (Puma concolor) in Arkansas from 1998-1999, and conducted a survey of mountain lion occurrences in Arkansas from 1996-2000. Mountain lions were reported statewide, with most in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. In addition to the surveys, we collected 7 pieces of tangible evidence (e.g., scats, tracks, and video) from 1996-2000. A survey of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state
more » ... ians, and an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) internal survey of their wildlife officers documented at least 101 captive P. coneolor in the state. The origins of reported freeranging animals could not be determined. A renewed interest in Arkansas mountain lions has occurred with increased sighting reports and accumulation of hard evidence. The AGFC has classified them as a non-game mammal (B.D. Sasse, pers. comm.). Based in part, on the results of this study, regulations regarding captive animals and a protocol for recording and evaluating reported sightings throughout the state have been revised. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
doi:10.1656/1528-7092(2002)001[0269:asorao]2.0.co;2 fatcat:25o42ut4jnazjdu657con3hfcq