For more than a year, residents and law enforcement officials in Sweetwater County, Wyoming have been reporting repeated sightings of strange flying objects over the high desert and near the Jim Bridger Power Plant.
The unexplained activity has raised concern, curiosity, and ongoing questions as authorities struggle to determine exactly what is operating in the skies above the region.
Strange, lighted objects resembling drones have reportedly been seen over Sweetwater County’s Red Desert and the Jim Bridger Power Plant for at least thirteen months.
Local law enforcement officials describe the objects as appearing in groups at high altitudes, often moving in coordinated formations that suggest deliberate control rather than random flight. These sightings have occurred primarily at night, making identification even more difficult.
Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle and his department have publicly acknowledged the sightings. The sheriff himself has reportedly witnessed the objects firsthand.
Despite repeated observations, officials have been unable to confirm who is operating the craft or what their purpose may be. The objects do not behave like typical hobbyist drones and are often seen far higher than recreational drones are legally allowed to fly.
Authorities have described the objects as “drone-like,” though they also fall under the category of unidentified flying objects due to the lack of confirmed information.
Residents initially flooded law enforcement with reports, but over time, calls decreased — not because the sightings stopped, but because people became accustomed to seeing the unexplained lights in the sky.
Despite contacting federal agencies and attempting to document the activity, the sheriff’s office has received no clear answers. Ground patrols and coordinated observation efforts have failed to reveal where the objects originate or who controls them.
In some cases, deputies reported that the flying objects appeared to follow law enforcement vehicles for miles before eventually disappearing.
The mystery has attracted attention beyond local law enforcement. State lawmakers have raised questions during official hearings, seeking clarity on whether the activity poses a security concern. However, no detailed explanations have been provided publicly, leaving both officials and residents without reassurance.
Similar sightings have reportedly occurred in neighboring counties, with some officials noting grid-like flight patterns and repeated activity near energy and infrastructure facilities.
These reports echo broader national discussions about unidentified aerial phenomena observed near sensitive locations across the country.
Speculation about the nature of the objects continues. Some believe they could be advanced commercial or research drones, while others suggest they may be part of undisclosed government or private surveillance programs.
There are also those who argue the objects could be misidentified aircraft or atmospheric phenomena. Despite these theories, no official explanation has been confirmed.
At this time, authorities say there is no evidence the objects pose a direct threat. However, their persistent presence near critical infrastructure like the Jim Bridger Power Plant has kept the issue alive. The lack of transparency or definitive answers continues to fuel unease and speculation among residents.
