Abstract: An animal trap utilizes a generally X-shaped base to provide a balanced mounting of a pair of U-shaped jaws, a pair of torsion coil springs, and elements of a trigger mechanism. When the trap is set, the jaws are pivoted downwardly relative to the base and lie in a horizontal planesurrounding a trigger pan, whereby the set trap is of minimal height. A means of adjustment is provided to enable the force required to operate the trigger pan to be adjusted through a wide range to accommodate the trap for use with a wide variety of animals. Mounting rods extend through two spaced coiled portions of each of the torsion coil springs to couple the springs securely to the base. The springs have U-shaped leg portions which engage sides of the jaws and bias the jaws toward their closed position. The U-shaped leg portions wedge the jaws together as the jaws approach their closed position, and prevent the jaws from being moved apart by a trapped animal.