Abstract: An animal trap is disclosed. The trap comprises a frame, a stationary jaw mounted on the frame, a movable jaw pivotally mounted on the stationary jaw, springs, interconnecting the frame and the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw in contact with the stationary jaw, a trigger element interconnecting the frame and the movable jaw, such trigger element being in the shape of a flat strip having the ends thereof slightly curved inwardly to hold the frame and the movable jaw together when the trap is set, and a bait holder depending from the trigger element whereby a slight displacement of the bait by an animal will disengage the trigger element from the movable jaw to release the trap.