CODY - A federal wildlife biologist found on private land with four tranquilized wolves said he was not physically relocating the animals to the spot.

"We do our best not to go on other people's property," said Mike Jimenez, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's wolf project leader for Wyoming. "We sincerely apologize if we do. …Our intention was to focus on collaring wolves."

"We don't move wolves," he said. "They move all by themselves."

Rancher Randy Kruger, who found Jimenez and others with the wolves on his property Feb. 14, has asked Park County officials to consider filing trespassing charges.

Last week, Kruger filed a complaint against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the alleged violation with Park County Attorney Bryan Skoric. Skoric said he asked the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation for assistance and that he will decide in the coming weeks whether or not to file charges.

"We have an obligation to make sure each case is investigated," Skoric said Wednesday.

Jimenez explained that he and other wildlife managers had been trying to collar wolves in one particular pack in the area for some time in order to keep better track of them.

"This pack was difficult to trap," he said.

On Feb. 14, a pilot on a routine surveillance flight of wolves located the pack between Thermopolis and Meeteetse and called Jimenez.

"We jumped at the opportunity," Jimenez said. He quickly arranged for a helicopter with a pilot and another person to help Jimenez shoot the wolves with tranquilizer darts.

The chase began on Bureau of Land Management land.

"You're roaring along, chasing these things, 50 feet above them," Jimenez said.

Jimenez said he had no time to consult a map for indications of land ownership.

After the fourth wolf was put to sleep on rocky, rough terrain, the animals were loaded and the helicopter landed down on the nearest flat spot, which was a ranch road west of Wyoming 120.

The handlers removed the four wolves from the helicopter and took them down a bank into some brush while the pilot left to refuel.

"We put the wolves into the shade to protect their eyes," Jimenez said, because their eyelids remain open after darting. He was eating lunch when Kruger drove by and stopped.

"We were exhausted," Jimenez said. "We weren't hiding. We really don't sneak around."

He introduced himself to Kruger, gave him a business card, explained what they were doing and invited him to examine the wolves and take a picture.

"We had a pleasant conversation," Jimenez said. "He never told me we were on private property."

Noting that collared wolves tend to leave an area after they are handled, Jimenez said the pack had retreated into the surrounding mountains.

The incident has caused suspicion among some.

"I don't feel there's any trust for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service," County Commissioner Marie Fontaine said. "There's so many unanswered questions that need to be answered."