D. S. Maehr

Surveys covering over 1,161,140 ha in Arkansas from 1988-1991 revealed abundant sign of several native and domesticated mammal species, but none from the mountain lion (Felis concolor). Because of our intensive methodology and the equivocal nature of previous documentation, we suggest there are no wild, reproducing populations of mountain lions in Arkansas. Extensive forests in the state, however, may provide suitable habitat for mountain lion reintroduction experiments.

Depredating black bears (Ursus americanus) were trapped and tagged at beeyards in an attempt to create aversion to those beeyards. Of the 9 bears trapped and released, only 1 bear was known to return to a beeyard during the study period. Electric fences were also shown to be effective for protecting beeyards from depredating bears. There was a 70% greater probability of bear damage among unfenced beeyards than among fenced beeyards. A combined, electric fence, trap-and-release program is described.