Abstract: A live animal trap for capturing and restraining a small animal comprises a rectangular mesh cage having an open front sized to admit an animal to be trapped, and a trap door hingedly affixed to the cage and movable between raised and lowered positions, respectively, permitting entry to and preventing escape from the cage. Embodiments are disclosed of gravity and/or spring assisted latching and tripping structures for releasably securing the trap door in the open position and responsive to an animal seeking to get to bait in the back of the cage. In one, a spring assisted brace member is hingedly affixed to and drives the lower end of the trap door into the closed position. In another, a multipurpose guide collar locks and drives the trap door in and for movement between the raised and lowered positions, and assists in animal release and in resetting of the trap.

Abstract: A live animal trap for capturing and restraining a small animal comprises a rectangular mesh cage having an open front sized to admit an animal to be trapped, and a trap door hingedly affixed to the cage and movable between raised and lowered positions, respectively, permitting entry to and preventing escape from the cage. Embodiments are disclosed of gravity and/or spring assisted latching and tripping structures for releasably securing the trap door in the open position and responsive to an animal seeking to get to bait in the back of the cage. In one, a spring assisted brace member is hingedly affixed to and drives the lower end of the trap door into the closed position. In another, a multipurpose guide collar locks and drives the trap door in and for movement between the raised and lowered positions, and assists in animal release and in resetting of the trap.