Abstract: An animal trap apparatus is mounted onto a rim of a bucket and comprises a plank having a bait receiving end and a mounting end, with a fulcrum feature therebetween. A bracket with a notch is received by the rim of the bucket while a receiving feature configured to receive the fulcrum feature. When the animal trap apparatus is in a loaded condition, the plank is in a loaded position whereby the mounting end of the plank extends generally horizontally outwardly from the bucket sidewall and the bait receiving end extends over the cavity of the bucket. In use, the plank is configured to pivot about the fulcrum feature in a forward direction when an animal approaches the bait receiving end thereby placing the animal trap apparatus in a tripped condition whereby the bait receiving extends downwardly toward the closed bottom of the bucket and the animal falls into the cavity.