Abstract: An animal trap, using two jaws that are generally U-shaped and pivoted to the upturned ends of a base plate is characterized by having the animal engaging base portions of the jaws generally circular in cross section and the leg portions flattened to provide wedge members that hold the circular base portions spaced apart when the trap is closed, spring means for closing the jaws comprises two like leaf springs. Each leaf spring is of V-shape and has a lower circular end hole to receive the upturned end of the base plate, and a second circular end hole for sliding over the leg portions as the spring spreads. The spring leaf is cupped around the second circular end hole and widened substantially in the general longitudinal direction of the spring to provide a cam that can be placed directly under the jaw legs when the spring is turned crosswise with respect to the base plate to provide increased leverage on the jaws at the initial lift thereof from open position.