Abstract: A gopher trap has a wire base frame with elongate limbs connected by a cross member at a distal end of the trap. Wire jaws are pivotly mounted on the respective limbs adjacent the distal end. The limbs are connected at the proximal end of the trap by a transverse pin which carries a pivotal jaw actuator plate and a pivotal trigger pan. The trigger pan is attached to an elongate trigger rod which extends under the length of the actuator plate to the distal end of the trap. The actuator plate embraces the respective jaws for opening and closing same and is spring urged away from the base frame to bias the jaws into closed position. The trap may be set by depressing the actuator plate and allowing the trigger pan to pivot forwardly so that the distal end of the trigger rod can engage under the cross member at the distal end of the base frame. The trap is sprung when a rodent pushes the trigger pan rearwardly and disengages the trigger rod from under the cross member.