Environmental Issues

Pike, J.R., J.H. Shaw, D.M. Leslie Jr., M.G. Shaw and J.E. Smith. 1999. A geographic analysis of the status of mountain lions in Oklahoma. Wildlife Society Bulletin 27:4-11. Abstract: Wildlife managers in the state of Oklahoma manage many species of animals in their state parks and nature preserves. They need current up to date information in order to make educated decisions regarding the parks. The managers have been very interested in …

…since the white tail deer is a major part of the mountain lions diet. We predict that the increase of mountain lions is Oklahoma is associated mainly with low human population density, and increasing white tail deer populations. If the state wildlife managers wish to decrease presence of mountain lions in these areas then they should increase the bag limit or lengthen the hunting season for deer to balance the populations of the two animals.