If a wildlife photo seems too good to be true, there’s a good chance that it was staged using a captive animal, a practice prominent Wyoming wildlife photographers say is unethical and exploitive.

So-called “game farms” — where animals such as mountain lions, grizzlies and wolverines are kept in captivity — are less common than they used to be.

There are still some around, however, famed wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen said.

Wyoming has no such facilities, Wyoming Game and Fish Department spokeswoman Amanda Fry told Cowboy State Daily.

According to Wyoming statutes , the private ownership of animals classified as big game or trophy game is forbidden here.

In states where game farms are legal, such operations might charge visitors for a chance to view or photograph wildlife, o

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