When we target skunks, we use a smaller trap that prevents them from lifting their tail, that way they cant spray. When we first moved here, we were filled in on how tame the skunks were, several would walk up and rub your leg like a cat. We never tried petting them and did not feed them but at...
Oh ive seen them scratch through the trap as well, but ive never had a coon get out of a box trap as stated....and im well over a few 1000 coons caught LOL! Caught one that was so big it couldnt get out (big coon tried squeezing into a trap sized for skunk.) Its rear legs got wedged but its butt...
Id say the marks outside that trap indicate they are already saavy and worked out how to get the can or bait from the outside.
We dont stake cage traps, we wedge them in with heavy limbs that force our target to use the opening.