Yesterday evening I set this trap out at my parents house with a plate of fried chicken in it. Its a residential area so I have to use the cage trap instead of the dog proof. Too many cats to worry about sticking their paws in a dog proof.
Anyways, Ive had good success and never had a problem until now. Its pretty evident I have a crafty critter on my hands. Reckon how ole coon knew to flip that thing on its side like that? He earned that meal. Ive run cage traps like this since I was a kid and ive never seen this before.

Its a miracle it didn't trip either. I checked it and it wasn't hung. It was set correctly.

Prob a dumb coon that tried to get the food right outside the cage n flipped it and walked around and noticed it had an opening lol

Can you place a trail camera over it?

I could

My guess is a dog did that
I’d anchor down the trap so this wouldn’t happen and see what transpires

Anchor it down or place a big rock on top

Wasn't a dog

Those coons are smart. I had one of the traps that open on each end to catch coons. I would dig a small hole in the ground for the bait. Place the trap with the trigger over the bait. Then anchor the trap down with metal tent stakes. A piece of a honey bun or something sweet is good bait. It won’t attract cats.

Good idea on that Hayzeus

I always put the bait down first and then set the trap on top of it so they have to dig around under the trip plate. I have very few misses this way.

So you’ve seen what is doing this ? Please share what this critter is