Abstract: An animal trap, especially for lethally catching small rodents such as mice, comprises a generally rectangular base, to which is pivotally mounted a generally U-shaped striker wire, spring urged from a set position to a striking position. A trigger member, of generally S-shape as viewed from the side, is located adjacent one end of the base, and holds the striker wire against the underside of its middle surface to maintain the striker wire in the latched position. An elongated platform is pivotally mounted on the base and is connected at one end to the trigger member. Immediately above the platform is provided a bait receptacle, with an open side presented away from the trigger end of the base, and a pivoted cover or hood which can open and close top access to the bait receptacle, and is elongated and open-ended. The bait in the bait receptacle is thus accessible only to an animal approaching from the striking end of the base, and by the animals stepping on the platform near the striking end.