Abstract: The poison bait station device is for elimination of rodents such as mice. The device includes an elongated tubular housing having a rodent entrance at one end and an end wall at an opposite end thereof, with a through-hole in the end wall. A bait station line (e.g. wire or cable) extends through the through-hole and includes a bait attachment feature at a first end thereof configured to be extended out through the rodent entrance for attaching poison bait thereto, and configured to be retracted within the elongated tubular housing for safely setting the poison bait therein. A structure attachment feature is at an opposite end of the bait station line and is configured to be securely attached to a structure in a local environment.

Abstract: A snare trap has a cable, a spring and a trigger. A traveling loop slidingly engages the cable and creates a snare loop. A locking mechanism locks the snare loop onto the cable. The spring has a first arm and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm are biased towards an open orientation such that the spring in the open position appears sprung. The ends of the first arm and the second arm slidingly engage the cable. The trigger is movable between a set position in which the trigger tip contacts the second arm of the spring and holds the spring in a closed position such that the first arm and the second arm are tensioned towards each other and an unset position in which the trigger tip does not contact the second arm of the spring.

Abstract: A trap-holding bracket for holding both conibear style body-gripping traps and leghold type traps. The bracket comprises a hollow, generally box-shaped body with top, bottom, front, and rear walls, an enclosed horizontal slot in the front wall, horizontal tab arms extending outwardly from the sides of the top and bottom walls to define extended jaw slots configured to receive and hold the inner wire ends of a body-gripping trap in their set position, and a vertical L-shaped tab arm extending above the front end wall and defining an open-ended lateral slot for receiving an outer base end of a leghold trap in a lateral sliding motion.

Abstract: A cap is provided for a tubular raccoon trap. The cap fits in the open upper end of the set and baited trap to keep mice and other small animals stealing the bait in the trap. A raccoon can easily remove the cap for access to the bait, to thereby trip the trigger and be caught in the trap.

Abstract: A rodent trap mounting platform is provided to which a snap trap can be attached. The platform in turn includes at least one attaching member for attaching the platform, with attached snap trap, to another surface, such as the surface of a dumpster, trash can, or other surface. In one embodiment, the platform is integrally molded into the wall of a bait box.

Abstract: An improvement on an animal trap that humanely and bloodlessly kills the object animal. The trap is particularly adapted to rodent rat snap-traps with upright life terminating engagement surfaces (LTES) that create a killing surface when the wire bail of the trap strikes the object animal.

Abstract: A trap with a cross-like frame having a first member with upturned ends in which are pivotally mounted a pair of opening and closing arch shaped jaws. A pair of jaw actuators have central apertures, each embracing both jaws at opposite ends thereof, the actuators being pivotally carried on the respective arms of an U shaped retention pin. A Spring Pin Loc is coupled to the respective arms of U Shaped Pin and extends across the cross member between an attachment for the bait pan 70 and an upturned dog mounting end of the cross member forming an attachment for a swinging trigger dog. The arms of the retention pin also carry coil springs, so that on each arm there is one spring on each side of the corresponding actuator. The coil springs urge the respective actuators upwardly toward the sprung, or closed, position of the trap.

Abstract: A trap with a cross-like frame having a first member with upturned ends in which are pivotally mounted a pair of opening and closing arch shaped jaws. A pair of jaw actuators have central apertures, each embracing both jaws at opposite ends thereof, the actuators being pivotally carried on the respective arms of an U shaped retention pin. A Spring Pin Loc is coupled to the respective arms of U Shaped Pin and extends across the cross member between an attachment for the bait pan 70 and an upturned dog mounting end of the cross member forming an attachment for a swinging trigger dog. The arms of the retention pin also carry coil springs, so that on each arm there is one spring on each side of the corresponding actuator. The coil springs urge the respective actuators upwardly toward the sprung, or closed, position of the trap.

Abstract: A stabilizing support system for a body-gripping trap is disclosed. The stabilizing support system comprises a trap-engaging apparatus for removably engaging a body-gripping trap, and the trap-engaging apparatus comprises a pair of jaw engaging members for engaging opposite jaws of a trap. Each of the jaw engaging members comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper portion comprising a pair of laterally-spaced arms and a bridge joining the pair of arms, and the lower portion comprising a pair of laterally spaced legs. The apparatus also includes connectors for connecting the pair of jaw engaging members together in an opposed orientation.

Abstract: A trap with a cross-like frame having a first member with upturned ends in which are pivotally mounted a pair of opening and closing arch shaped jaws. A pair of jaw actuators have central apertures, each embracing both jaws at opposite ends thereof, the actuators being pivotally carried on the respective arms of an U shaped retention pin. A Spring Pin Loc is coupled to the respective arms of U Shaped Pin and extends across the cross member between an attachment for the bait pan 70 and an upturned dog mounting end of the cross member forming an attachment for a swinging trigger dog. The arms of the retention pin also carry coil springs, so that on each arm there is one spring on each side of the corresponding actuator. The coil springs urge the respective actuators upwardly toward the sprung, or closed, position of the trap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a force applying lever assembly for use with a foothold type trap. The force applying lever assembly has at least one force applying lever that is coupled to the biasing device or spring of the trap. The at least one force applying lever is also pivotally coupled to the base of the trap, allowing it to pivot with respect to the base. The trap's anchor, which is usually coupled to the base of the trap, is instead coupled to the end of the force applying lever opposite the base. When the ensnared animal pulls against the anchored trap, the pulling causes the force applying lever to pivot with respect to the base so as to increase the biasing force applied by the biasing device on the jaws. This additional biasing force on the jaws tightens the grip on the ensnared animal, which prevents it from escaping and discourages it from struggling.

Abstract: An animal trap remover holds and picks up a trap that contains a dead animal. The trap remover has a trap holder with a handle on it. The trap holder has a flat base that slides underneath the trap, two opposing sides that extend upward from the flat base, and flanges at the top of the two sides, with an opening between them. The handle is higher than the flat base.

Abstract: An assembly includes an anchor plate that is formed from steel and has opposing sides spaced from the axis and extends parallel thereto. The anchor plate is further provided with spaced apertures formed therein. One elongated stake is inserted through one aperture and interfitted into the ground so that the anchor plate is prohibited from being disengaged from the ground. A chain includes child links connected end-to-end and parent links having a greater thickness and diameter than the child links. The parent links are fastened to one of the apertures and the animal trap, and are fastened to outer ones of the child links. The chain is formed from steel. The anchor plate and one stake resist external forces acting on the chain so that the animal trap is prevented from moving beyond a maximum distance defined by a length of the chain.

Abstract: An improved spring-activated mole trap that includes various safety features that make the mole trap safe to use by non-professionals. The mole trap includes a foot bar that enables the individual to activate the trap using his or her foot, a limiting u-shaped member that prevents the trigger arm from snapping rearward and injuring the trapper's fingers if the trap is accidentally activated while being set. The improved trap also includes a pair of handles that extend upward from the tunnel when the trap is vertically aligned in the tunnel. Using the handles, the user is able to more easily position the trap inside the tunnel. The trap further includes a wider, re-aligned trigger located closer to the soil to prevent a mole from burrowing under the trigger plate and thereby avoiding activating the trap.

Abstract: A two-jawed trap including a cable snare encircling spring-loaded jaws when the trap is set. When the trap is sprung, it is constructed to disconnect the spring from the jaws under load from the animal making desperate forcible attempts to release the trap, thus allowing the jaws to open from the leg of the animal. However, the snare is set at the same time that the trap is sprung, so the animal remains caught by the snare even though the trap rigid frame including the jaws releases and completely detaches from the animal leg.

Abstract: A plastic upper jaw is pivotably mounted by a steel pin to a plastic base. A spring urges the jaw to close upon the base. A trigger is pivotably mounted to the base. A catch restrains the upper jaw in a set position until the trigger is actuated. The base has two upwardly extending side walls. Each side wall has a cable opening adjacent the floor of the base. A cable tie is looped around a pipe or support member and extends through the opposed openings in the opposite side walls. The ends of the tie are connected to secure the rodent trap to the support member. Because the upper jaw provides a wide gripping area, allowing the trap to be safely set, the trap is readily moved into the set position while it is secured to the support member, even if in an overhead position.

Abstract: There is referred to a process and an arrangement for control of one or more trawls (12, 40, 42) which are towed after a vessel (10), where the trawl(s) (12, 40, 42) are connected to the vessel by means of a number of cables (16, 14; 44, 45, 46), and where one or more devices (22, 24) contribute to maintaining the trawl(s) opening(s) outstretched during the movement through the sea and the invention is characterized in that the individual traction (FW1, FW2, FW3) in the cables (44, 45, 46) is regulated on the basis of measurements of the direction of flow (P3) of water adjacent to the trawl or the trawls.

Abstract: An audio signaling device designed for mounting on spring-loaded rodent traps. The device audibly signals when its associated trap has been triggered. Upon reliable detection of triggering, an audio signal is emitted as an initial audio tone sequence followed by an audio beacon mode; wherein operation alternates between long periods of very low-power silent operation and short audio tone sequences. The device may be reliably attached to traps of various sizes and designs, while the power provided by the battery powers it for extended periods. Additionally the signaling device can be programmed to generate unique audio tunes while being easily manufactured from low-cost parts.

Abstract: A system for controlling a hydroelectric power production facility includes sensors for detecting the presence of fish adjacent to the facility. A controller linked to the sensors controls the orientation of control surfaces associated with a turbine/generator set to enhance the survivability of fish entrained into the facility when fish are detected to be present. The system may be adapted to control fish bypass and spillway structures within the facility to further enhance the survivability of fish populations. The system balances fish survivability with other parameters related to the operation of the facility, optimizing power production levels once estimates of fish survivability meet targets or optimum levels. The system may be adapted to coordinate control of several facilities along a water system to permit implementation of an overall water, fish and power management plan.

Abstract: A device fixed to the ground, bait stations such as bait boxes for rats. Such bait boxes which are secured against undesired opening are anchored flush to the ground in such a manner that the unauthorized moving of the bait box is practically excluded. For this purpose at least one movable wedge-like ground-anchor, connected to a tension element is driven into the ground. The opposite end of the tension element is led through an assigned opening at the bottom of the bait box into the bait box. From the interior of the bait box, an authorized person can pull the tension element to move the ground-anchor into an anchoring position and hold the bait box flush with its bottom to the ground, whereby the anchoring of the bait box can be removed only after its authorized re-opening.

Abstract: This invention for trap stands having a pair of supporting legs spaced apart by cross-members for body grip traps provides an improvement by providing extensions which project beyond the legs to provide height adjustment. Sleeves attached to the extensions are sized to slideably enclose each leg. The sleeves have provisions for securing them to the legs to secure the extensions in place. Another height adjustment improvement adds sleeves to the free end of each leg which slideably enclose each extension and provide additional support and stability for the extensions. Another improvement to trap stands separates each cross-member into two opposed overlapped parts. Sleeves, which slideably enclose opposite cross-member parts, are attached at the free end of each cross-member part for width adjustment. Sleeves attached to one of the legs have provisions for securing the sleeves to the opposite enclosed cross-member parts which secures the width adjustment.

Abstract: Electro-fishing apparatus comprising a trawling net (16) which during operation is towed over the bottom, a combination of electrodes (10, 12) which, during operation, are towed over the bottom at a distance in front (14) of the net (16), and a pulse generator (28) which is connected to electrodes (10, 12) to generate during operation a pulsed electric field in the water. The electrodes comprise at least partly a number of electrically conducting bodies (10a, 10b, 10c, . . . ) each through a separate connection cable connected to pulse generator (28), whereby the water contacting surface of each electrically conducting body (10) is limited such that a specific electrical resistance is created. The pulse generator (28) is embodied such that each of electrically conducting bodies (10) can be powered separately to generate a field between the momentaneously powered electrically conducting body (10) and another electrode (12).

Abstract: Fishing gear for electric fishing, comprising a beam (5) which is provided with pairs of electrodes (9, 10) over which a potential difference can be generated, as well as a power source (16) and pulse generator. The power source (16), the pulse generator and the connections of the electrodes (9, 10) are housed in a watertight chamber inside the beam (5), the pulse generator being housed in a chamber which for cooling purposes is partly flushed by water. The electrodes (9, 10) are also each provided with a core (42) of electrically conducting material, metal electrode pieces (43) being electrically connected to the core (42) with regular spacings between them and the core being insulated between the electrode pieces (43).

Abstract: A signaling apparatus indicates when a disposable animal trap has been triggered. The apparatus detects movement of the bail, indicating that the trap has been triggered. A visual or audible alarm is used to notify the user. This allows the trap to be reset if the bait is lost, or replaced if an animal has been trapped. Advantages of a signaling apparatus have now been extended to a disposable trap.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring power density in an energized volume of water using either a measurement of voltage gradient or current density for use in determining optimal electrical power parameters for electrofishing, in-water electroshocking, electrical barrier control and the like. Specific probes for either measurement are disclosed. A calculator or programmed microprocessor receives measurements of current density or voltage gradient and water conductivity at a selected location within an energized liquid body and performs the mathematical operations necessary to calculate power density. Values on a graph of water conductivity, current density, voltage density and power density are used to determine how much electrical power to apply to a specific organism in a specific volume of liquid.

Abstract: An animal pest control device which is spring actuated has elements that move rapidly at the animal which has actuated it, but is so configured as to: (a) not cause physical harm to the animal if contact is made., and (b) have the animal experience different effects or degrees of effect depending upon both the magnitude and direction of the force applied by the animal in actuating the device; thereby causing sufficient unpleasant memories that the animal is trained not to return to the area where the device is located. The spring and air actuated device chases animals from buildings, furniture, boats and other vehicles. Two body-members held together by the tension force created by springs pressing them together until a force from an animal depresses the center area to an extent that a torque is created which causes the extreme ends of the body-members and the springs to move rapidly at the animal, thus scaring the animal.

Abstract: A shrimp trawl or net having a second piggyback net attached to an opening in the top side of the body of the trawl and a pulser to stimulate mature shrimp to enter the opening in the second net. Alternatively, an upper deck is formed in the body of the main trawl and the pulser is positioned so as to stimulate the targeted shrimp species to enter the upper deck while non-targeted species and debris pass out the back of the trawl. Both the piggyback net and the upper deck have a releasably closable back end to allow the operator to close the net or deck during towing operations, and to open the back end after the trawl has been pulled aboard the shrimp boat.

Abstract: A mouse trap having a flexible handle made of a thin strip of plastic material and normally extending in upright relation from one end of the trap so as not to impede access to the trigger of the trap by a mouse nor movement of the trapping bail between its latched and sprung positions. The handle is sufficiently flexible to permit handling and transport of the trap by grasping an upper end of the handle with the base and trapped mouse suspended in depending relation from the lower end of the handle. The handle also is bendable into closely overlapping relation to the top side of the trap to permit compact containment of the trap in conventional packaging.

Abstract: A device attachable to at least one of the co-acting jaws of a steel jawed trap for capturing an animal. The device has at least one cushion assembly that includes an elongated carrier frame attachable to at least one jaw of the trap, and spaced apart cushion members secured to the carrier frame. The cushion members project outwardly from the carrier frame and are in a parallel alignment to one another to engage a limb of the animal and cushion and distribute the force of the jaws of the trap to reduce animal injuries.

Abstract: The invention comprises a trapping apparatus having a pair of jaws pivotally connected together at their ends. The apparatus has a strap mounted to the trap and has a magnet mounted to the strap. The magnet magnetically engages a metal culvert intermediate its height of the culvert with the magnet being sufficient to magnetically support the magnet, strap, and trap to the culvert intermediate the height of the culvert. The culvert is of a type installation wherein there is a waterway therethrough with the surface of the water in the culvert just below the magnetically secured location of the trap whereby animals will swim through the waterway in the culvert near the surface of the water therein and are likely to engage and trigger the trap and be trapped by the trap.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable trap holder for use with a body type animal trap. This type of trap generally has a spring arm which biases a pair of hinged trap jaws toward a closed position, a trigger for releasably holding the trap jaws in an open position, and means for anchoring the trap. The portable holder of the invention includes a box with a bottom, top, two opposing sides, and at least one open end. The open end is of sufficient dimensions to receive the trap jaws while in the open position. A notch is included in one of the two opposing sides, adjacent to the open end, and about midway between the top and bottom. This notch is adapted to receive the spring arm of the body type animal trap. When the spring arm is received into the notch, the trap jaws, while in the open position, lie in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the open end of the box, and, while in the closed position, lie in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the open end of the box.

Abstract: A small animal trap comprises a frame having an entrance and an exit, and a readily detachable means for retaining a spring actuated animal grasping device therein.

Abstract: A locking device is described for use in selectively locking a plurality of pivotable members at selected operative positions about a central axis. The device includes means for mounting the members for pivotal motion about axes that may be substantially parallel and spaced outwardly from a central axis of a support. The device also mounts the members for axial motion along the axes between locking and unlocking positions. An axially displaceable spool is spring biased on the support to normally urge the members axially toward the locking position. In the locking positions, locking surfaces on the members mate with complimentary surfaces on the support to prevent pivotal motion of the members about the individual member axes. The spool is selectively movable on the support to lock itself and the members in this axial orientation. The spool is also selectively retractable to enable axial separation of the locking surfaces. The unlocked members are individually pivotable to folded, inoperative positions.

Abstract: A game trap drag having arms, flukes, and a penetration enhancement/antihitching member oriented in relation to each other and the drag shank such that the drag more effectively penetrates the earth's surface when the trapped animal attempts to drag the trap away from the set location. The penetration enhancement/antihitching member raises the crown of the trap drag above the horizontal of the earth's surface providing an improved ground engagement angle. The penetration enhancement/antihitching member further functions to prevent the trap-to-drag chain from becoming hitched around the drag.

Abstract: A bedding device for use with an animal leg hold trap includes a platform providing support for the free jaw of the trap when the trap is in its set position. In one embodiment, the platform contains one or more integral channels for releasably retaining in the device at least one frame member of the trap. The channels are defined: (i) by floors that are shaped to accommodate the contour of a frame member; and (ii) by convergent, upstanding resilient side walls for snapping the frame member into position and releasing it upon triggering of the trap. In another embodiment, one or more resilient clips are inserted from the bottom of the platform through holes in the platform. The clips retain a trap frame member between their convergent legs. The platform is preferably formed from a single piece of material, most preferably a resilient polymer, such as polypropylene, polystyrene and teflon, that does not absorb odors.

Abstract: An animal trap of a type having pivotal jaws operated by spring loaded actuators which embrace the jaws and which are pivotally mounted on the arms of a U-shaped retention pin is provided with a security device for preventing an animal caught in the trap from pulling out the pin with its teeth and thereby dismantling the trap. The security device is in the form of a tongue upset from a cross frame member of the trap over which the base portion of the pin extends. The tongue engages the outer surface of the pin and prevents axial withdrawal of the pin arms from the actuators.

Abstract: A combination stunning tip and trap retrieving hook has a tubular member for receiving a handle therein. A pair of fork-shaped members are attached to the tubular member and extend in a direction remote from the handle receiving means. A hook means is attached to each fork-shaped member trap.

Abstract: A padded leghold trap of the pivoting jaw type includes recessed portions of the jaws in which respective pads are disposed. The pads each have concave facing surfaces with an inner edge that barely touches the inner edge of the other pad in the sprung position of the jaws, leaving the remainder of the concave facing surfaces mutually spaced. A trapped animal is held between the padded jaws which spring closed and traps the animal's leg without breaking the leg or causing edema. Attempts by the trapped animal to pull its trapped limb from between the jaws causes the radially inner pad edges to roll over toward the limb and thereby increase the retention forces. A retainer for the pad is disposed over an access slot in the pad, which access slot is provided to deploy the pad on the jaw. The retainer includes a bent lip which deforms the pad toward the jaw to prevent the pad from being pulled off the jaw by a trapped animal.

Abstract: An animal trap with a quick release mechanism for releasing the jaws from the leg of a trapped animal. Several embodiments are disclosed to release the spring tension from the jaws such as by removal of the jaw springs.

Abstract: An animal trap holder for a trap of the Conibear type having a pair of spring biased jaws. The holder is a U-shaped member with the two legs of the U connected together by an integral base. The outer surfaces of the legs and base are flat rectangular surfaces with the sides of the rectangular surfaces of a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the legs and base. The free ends of the legs of the U-shaped member have outwardly extending flange portions to cooperate with the outer surfaces of the legs to receive and support a substantial length of the jaws of the trap when the trap is set and to allow the jaws of the trap to be released when the trap is sprung. When it is desired to adjustably secure the holder to a stake, a U-shaped adaptor of about the same configuration as the holder is fastened to the holder and adjustably secured to the stake.

Abstract: This invention relates to a boot for jaw traps. The resilient floor section of the boot extends beneath substantially the entire trap. The floor of the boot has a surface that conforms to the various trap parts such as the frame and cross member and has indentations which receive the coiled springs. Outwardly projecting sections of the boot extend beneath the spring levers and provide support therefor. A trap set in the boot is extremely stable and is capable of springing upwardly to an extent greater than if it were directly in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A pole-mounted bait and trap attachment for use with traps for fur-bearing water animals and having a bait holding portion and a trap holding portion rigidly interconnected with a pole encircling portion, and means for adjustably securing the attachment on a pole-stake.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a Conibear or rotating frame animal trap in a desired position is disclosed. A stabilizing support means is located adjacent the pivot point (32). A clamp support means includes a support plate (60) which is pivotally mounted at pivot point (32) in a position such that it is parallel to side members (24) and (28). A clamp (70) is attached in a non-rotating manner to support plate (60) for gripping a support stake (78) to maintain the trap in a selected position and location. At least three extensions (62, 64 and 68) are fixedly mounted to support plate (60) and extend in such a manner that they contact side members (24) and (28) and thereby prevent rotation of the frames (10) and (12) with respect to the support stake (78) while at the same time allowing the frames (10) and (12) to rotate with respect to each other to the closed position when release catch (40) is triggered.

Abstract: The present device is an improved stand and trigger mechanism for a body gripping trap, having first and second rectangular frames which are pivotally mounted to each other for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis from a set position to a sprung position. Springs yieldably bias the frames from the set position to the sprung position. The rectangular frames each have a horizontal member, and the horizontal members of the two frames are in adjacent spaced relation to one another when the frames are in the set position. The horizontal members move away from one another as the frames move from the set position to the sprung position. The release mechanism comprises a trigger frame positioned between the horizontal members, and a pair of trigger arms mounted to the trigger frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: Inadvertent actuation of a rotating jaw trap is eliminated by limiting the rotation of spring-loaded jaw actuators in the trap set position. The position-limited actuators prevent opening of the jaws beyond the set position if one of the jaws is stepped upon by an animal which would otherwise release the trap-setting dog member from the trap trigger pan. With this elimination of slack in the set jaws, the trap is only sprung when the trigger pan is stepped upon. In the preferred embodiment, the limitation of rotation by the actuators is effected by upturned flange members from the trap frame or frame-holding bracket. The flange members may be apertured to receive pivot rods for the actuator members.

Abstract: A stake fastener for an animal trap in which the trap has jaws adapted for pivotal operation about a journal postincludes member for surrounding the jaws at a location proximate the post, attachment member for coupling the surrounding member to the post without interfering with the pivotal movement of the jaws, collar member connected to the surrounding member, the collar member adapted to receive a stake, a first tooth member protruding inwardly of the collar member for engaging the stake, and a second tooth member pivotally mounted on the collar member opposite the first tooth member having a series of teeth thereon pivotable between a first position at which the teeth do not engage the stake and a second position at which at least a tooth engages the stake.

Abstract: This invention relates to an insert for jaw traps. The insert is a resilient device which extends between the bait pan and the jaws, when they are in their open position. A slot extends through the entire thickness of the insert between the outer periphery thereof and the aperture which receives the bait pan. Support means maintains the top surface of the insert at a level that is at or near the topmost surface of the set jaws.

Abstract: A pair of levers are provided including corresponding first base ends and second jaw ends. A pivot fastener pivotally connects the base ends of the levers together for relative swinging of the levers between first open positions with the jaw ends displaced away from each other and second closed positions with the jaw ends displaced toward each other into at least closely adjacent positions. Spring structure is operatively connected between the levers yieldingly biasing the latter toward the second positions thereof and releasable latch structure is provided and is operative to releasably latch the levers in the first positions. An elongated rigid support member is also provided and includes a flattened end and a pointed tip end.

Abstract: A signal apparatus for use with an animal trap positionable underwater includes an open ended housing adapted to be secured in a substantially vertical position to a stationary portion of the trap. A movable cover releasably closes the open end of the housing. A connecting member connects the cover to a movable portion of the animal trap to uncover the open end of the housing when the trap is sprung. A buoyant float is disposable within the housing. An elongated attaching member connects the float to the housing enabling it to rise to the surface of the water when the trap has been sprung to provide an indication of the condition of the trap.