Abstract: An animal trap stake for anchoring an animal trap into the ground includes a generally cylindrical central shaft member which has a flat bottom edge and an enlarged exposed head portion. Secured to the central shaft member at a location adjacent the flat edge are oppositely disposed twisted wire pairs which extend upwardly and outwardly and serve as anchoring means for the animal trap stake once the stake is inserted into the ground. A swivel member which is disposed about the central shaft member and is freely pivotal and movable along the longitudinal length of the central shaft member provides the means for attachment and retention of the animal trap chain such that the chain swivels about the central shaft member rather than winding up on the shaft member.