Abstract:
An animal trap adapted to capture unharmed a single animal is made of an elongated rectangular cage having roof and floor panels, side panels, and a rear panel. The forward extremity has a vertically slidably door panel adapted to fall by gravity, its downward motion being guided by tracks in the side panel. A bait-holding tray disposed within the cage toward the rear panel is supported by a vertical rod pendantly held by a retainer slidably disposed upon the roof panel. An elongated trip rod extends from the retainer and penetrates a lock-up aperture in the door panel. When the animal pushes upon the bait-holding tray, rewarward movement of the trip rod releases the door panel for gravitationally urged downward movement, thereby sealing the cage.