Rat and mouse trap

A holding trap for small animals, most specifically rats and mice. In the preferred embodiment, a single sheet of paperboard, die stamped to a pattern and assembled by folding, forms, together; an enclosure with parallel sides and large enough for entrance of the anterior portion of an animal; an animal engaging member hinging from the entrance to the enclosure and provided at its free end with points; a mechanism for holding the hinging member, against the force of a rubber band, inward and open; and a member supported horizontally over a bait on a fulcrum and serving as a lever which, moved by an animal, releases the mechanism to position the points of the hinging member inwardly against the animal's body; creating a holding grip which increases as the animal attempts to withdraw from the trap.