Mammalian Visitation to Candidate Feral Swine Attractants

Authors

Tyler A. Campbell, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Texas A&M University-KingsvilleFollow
David B. Long, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow

Date of this Version

January 2008

Comments

Published in JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 72(1):305–309; 2008).

Abstract

Few data exist regarding suitable feral swine (Sus scrofa) attractants in the United States. We compared species-specific visitation and contact rates of mammals to 11 candidate feral swine attractants at scent stations using motion-sensing digital photography to identify promising attractants. We found feral swine had greater visitation rates to apple and strawberry stations than to control stations. We recommend managers consider using strawberry attractants for feral swine-specific applications. If, however, a general feral swine attractant is needed, then apple, berry, or caramel attractants may perform well.