CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Natrona County commissioners say they don't have authority to regulate trapping following the recent death of three dogs on state land at the base of Casper Mountain.

The three St. Bernards belonged to a Casper family whose property borders state land. They were killed in December close to the family home.

A Wyoming Game and Fish Department official briefed commissioners Tuesday.

Brian Olsen is Casper region supervisor for the game department. He told commissioners the trapper who set the snares that killed the dogs had counted on poor weather to keep people away from the traps.

Olsen says the department encourages trappers not to trap close to residences. However, he said people must assume there may be traps on state land.

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