A system for trapping animals includes a cable and an enclosure adapted to be suspended above a trap area by the cable. A release mechanism includes a pivotable member, and the pivotable member is configured to rotate about a pivot support between an engaged position and a released position. The pivotable member in the engaged position supports the cable to hold the enclosure in a suspended position, and the pivotable member in the released position releases the cable to allow the enclosure to fall from the suspended position and enclose the trap area. The system further includes an actuator, which in an extended position holds the pivotable member in the engaged position. In a retracted position, the actuator releases the pivotable member to allow the pivotable member to rotate into the released position.
