<p>The invention is for an improved humane animal trap which reduces suffering to the trapped animal and reduces damage to the pelt. The trap includes a pair of circular jaws pivotally joined by strong helical springs. The trigger mechanism utilizes a lower lever member which extends into the stationary jaw and is biased against a bait holder/latch member by a flat spring. An upper lever member is engageable with the lower lever member at one end and at the other end supports the movable jaw when the trap is set. When an animal takes the bait the lever members are released from their constraints and the movable jaw moves rapidly under the bias of the main helical spring to trap the animal, just behind its head, between the trap jaws.</p>