Wyoming Untrapped (WU) launched a Facebook page Oct 1, 2012 in response to increased trapping pressure in the Teton County area, as several domestic dogs were injured as ‘by-catch’ of trapping activities. The delisting of wolves from the Endangered Species Act, which occurred during that time, may have contributed to the popularity of predator trapping outside the wolf trophy management zone.

In June 2013, WU organized a trap release workshop in Wilson, Wyoming. Dave Pauli of the Humane Society of the United States conducted the workshop. Concerned about the increasing presence of traps, about 100 people attended the workshop. The event helped raise awareness of trapping issues and also the existence of WU.

Still a volunteer organization, WU began to get inquiries from people requesting trapping reform and a safer environment for dogs, other animals and people, particularly in areas heavily used for recreation. In August 2013, WU volunteers began moving forward with an application to the Internal Revenue Service for non-profit status, and formally created a governing board of three directors.

In November 2013, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole approved a WU application for fiscal sponsorship. WU added a Program Director in early December 2013.

We received our non-profit, 501(c)3, status in May 2014 and fully transitioned out of CFJH fiscal sponsorship in October 2014.