We have a large number of coons coming into our yard at night and tearing into the trash and getting into our garage. I want to set out some live traps later this fall when their fur starts to prime up but want to avoid catching any skunks in the process. What can I do? Is there a certain bait that skunks dont care for but coons do? Is there a certain way to place my traps that will deter skunks, perhaps elevated of the ground???

Keep your traps off the ground.

Put them up on a picnic table or along a fence, up in a tree, etc. Skunks don't usually climb.

You'll eliminate most skunks by just getting the trap off the ground.

X2! But there is a market for skunks pelts and more importantly the gland oil!