A tag applicator is disclosed comprising tagging jaws and an actuator. In oneembodimentthe tagging jaws terminate in respective ends separated by a gap when in anunactuatedposition, the gap having an intermediate point between the respective ends.The actuator mayoperatively connected to the tagging jaws for driving the tagging jawstogether so that thetagging jaws close by movement of each jaw of the tagging jaws toward theintermediatepoint and relative to the actuator.