Population surveys and removal efforts for wild pigs (Sus scrofa) have traditionally used a food-based attractant. However, some situations or locations where these activities may take place may not be conducive to the logistical challenges associated with storing or hauling large quantities of bait. Scent-based lures are lighter and easier to store than baits, and may negate some of these logistical challenges. Our goal was to examine the efficacy of a urine-based lure for attracting wild pigs to and retaining them at camera sites. We compared the initial arrival time and length of visits among boars, sounders, and juveniles at sites with a urine lure, whole corn, and a combination of the urine lure and whole corn during June and July 2017 on Lowndes Wildlife Management Area, Alabama. Our results indicated that sounders arrived at URINE sites quicker than other treatment sites, although we did not find these same results among boars or juveniles. While feeding bout lengths tended to be shorter at URINE sites, we detected no statistically significant differences among sex/age classes or treatments. It is possible that above average precipitation during our study may have diluted urine applications and partially masked effects. These data suggest that urine-based lures may be appropriate for initial population assessments where quick attraction to a site may be desired, but a food-based attractant is more suitable for retaining wild pigs at sites long enough for removal efforts or detailed population surveys.
