The present improved animal trap and unique catch release mechanism eliminates substantial eating or removal of the bait without the trap activating and provides a dual means to activate the trap. This is accomplished by the present catch release mechanism having a sliding member which slides within a hole through the platform of the trap under the influence of gravity and a prop which holds at least a portion of the trap platform above a support surface. When the prop is destabilized by an external force, the prop's support of the platform is disturbed, permitting the platform to fall toward the support surface. The platform falls relative to the sliding member; and the sliding member is forced toward the catch by contact with the support surface, thus pushing the catch so that the catch releases the holding arm bar to activate the trap.