So I made a few dirt hole sets for Coyotes the other day. On one of them the trap was dug up and the next set held a big boar coon. Now I have trapped alot of coons in my life but I dont think he would have dug up the trap in the first set and got caught on the second set? I am assuming it's a coyote or fox? I will put my trail camera on it tonight to see what happens

They could dig up 100 traps, they don't know what they're looking at. 99% chance it was a coon, and possibly the same one if it was close.

That’s like saying they dug up a clam/mussel in one spot and wouldn’t dig up another a dozen yards away. They associated no harm with a dug up trap and probably got the goodies out of the hole. No reason to not believe he was going for the goodies in the next hole and happened to get caught this time.

I have to say I've never had any sign pointing to coons digging up traps were I could see sign. Were ever ive been able see tracks its always been coyotes for me. I also ran a trial were I dug a trap bed at a baited set but just lightly repacked it without a trap. Didn't ever had any digging at the lose dirt in the fifteen test sets. Not saying coons never dig up traps, just sharing my experience.

What is the reason traps get dug out, besides trap not bedded good? Is it that the dirt is too loose and feels different than the undisturbed ground?

That is a great question and you answered it yourself.

I'm no expert but that is what I think, although it's probably not the only reason (scent/bait unknowingly on the trap). That is why I am careful to dig out just the size of the trap and not go to wide. Once they feel the softer step they are most likely already on the pan. I made a cookie cutter which helps and makes things quicker but I probably wouldn't carry it if I were walking a long way.

At least as far as coon go, they're naturally attracted to small areas of loose/fresh dirt. I assume they may just dig looking for grubs/worms/seeds. Even in the summer when I try planting pumpkins in sod, I dig up a small spot for each seed and plant. Without fail, the following morning every single spot will be dug up and the seeds are gone.

I occasionally have rats make a hole in my set, they steal the under all material.

They can smell something buried.

Years ago I had some fox traps that kept getting dug up. Had a friend come along on my short line to help figure things out. Discovered that when I baited my dirt hole that I dribbled some on the bedded trap. Now when I place my bait, I make sure not to pass over the trap when doing so. Now if it happens, it's usually raccoon or a poorly bedded trap.

I have hade a coyote dig one up night after night. Buried another behind it and blended it well. The next day I had my coyote.