Mink or Coon?

[-Trap_addicT-]

I set 8 mink traps three days ago. I checked them today and 4 were tripped with no bait left. I use 7x7x24" cage traps, with half of a skinned muskrat carcass WIRED tight to the top/back. 1x1 wire and spring doors. One of the traps was 10' from where it was set. I'm stumped. There's a lot of coon in the area, but I dint think that explains it. It's in a marshy enough area that a coon or even a mink would leave some kind of evidence. I can see a coyote messing with it, but how would get the wired bait free? I've thought of weasel, but how would it trip the trap and get out with or without the bait? It's driving me nuts and I plan on bringing a trail cam up next time. Do coons eat muskrat? Any tips?

Thanks.

[3nails]

 Me thinks maybe turf war?  I recently had one stolen from a place I had been messed with last year. They kept moving my trap around. Like other side of the crick untripped. Went from just trying to send a message last year to stealing the trap.

[-Trap_addicT-]

It's private property and like I said, it's muddy and marsh enough I should be able to see tracks. I'm wondering if coons will eat muskrat and/or if there is any critters I'm not thinking of...?

[Humptulips]

I don't know but sounds like a real mystery to me. Useing a muskrat even if something like a weasel or mice could eat the bait and get out they would leave bones. I think it had to be something reaching into the trap and pulling the bait out. Something to big for the trap so they just reached in (cat?)or something too long for the trap that could reach the bait but the door would drop on its back enabling escape ( coon, otter?).
Be interesting to hear what if you figure it out.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Sounds like time for a trail cam!   
 
-Steve

[-Trap_addicT-]

Found out who was causing all the trouble..

[Machias]

Way to go!

[deaner]

ill take him!  looks like a good house pet

[-Trap_addicT-]

I actually let him go, even after all the trouble he caused me. It was very young and since it snowed, I'm now very aware that he is not the only one around there! Anyone know what a coon goes for these days?

[bornforhorns]

where do you live?  Would it be good hunting for coondogs?