The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and travelers to not take sheep dogs that are working in the mountains.

“There are sheep on the mountain. This means they are usually accompanied by two or three guard dogs (often Pyrenees),” stated the sheriff’s office in a social media post. “These dogs are not pets, they are not lost, and they are not starving. Yes, that includes puppies which are often times raised with the flock. The dogs are fed and cared for by a nearby shepherd that leads the flock around the mountain.”

The sheriff’s office said these dogs may walk or stand in front of your vehicle if it perceives you as a threat to the flock. Also it will be considered theft if a person takes one of the dogs to a shelter. “In the state of Wyoming this is theft. The sheep herders wouldn’t take too kindly if they found their dog had been brought to an animal shelter by someone.”