An apparatus for an animal trap having at least one primary trap 32 comprising a rigid grated or screened 34 housing with a front 36 and rear 38 sliding door on each end, a sensor assembly having at least one power source 40, e.g., battery pack, a heating element 42 communicating with a heated bait hanger 44 to heat the bait. A pressure-sensitive sensor pad 46 disposed beneath the hanging bait 44 activates the door closure mechanism. A laser sensor 48 is further included to detect flying prey and others that may circumvent the ground placed pressure sensor 46. A release trap 58 is provided for use as the last trap member when a plurality of trap members is used in conjunction with one another. The release trap 58 has a clear housing fabricated of Plexiglas, tempered glass or other such suitable material. The release trap 58 has an open end to connect with the trap member and a closed end with a sensor assembly 60 to close the sliding door at the open end when prey 64 is detected by the sensors. Once the prey 64 has been contained within the release trap 58, it is removed from the trap member and transported to a location where the prey may be released. The apparatus may be adapted to accommodate the capture of a multitude of various types of animals including, but not limited to, rodents 12, snakes 14, reptiles 16, insects 18, mollusks 20, fish 22, squirrels 24, mammals 26, invertebrates 28 and vertebrates 30.