Wyoming hunter reaches plea deal in wolf torture case

Cody Roberts to pay $1,000 fine and serve 18 months probation for mistreating injured wolf

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Wyoming hunter accused of striking a wolf with his snowmobile, taping its mouth shut, and parading the injured animal in a local bar before killing it has reached a plea deal to avoid prison time. Cody Roberts, 44, will pay a $1,000 fine and serve 18 months of probation under the agreement.

Why it matters

The case sparked outrage over Wyoming's laws that allow the hunting and killing of wolves across most of the state, as well as concerns about animal cruelty. It led to the passage of new legislation prohibiting the torture and possession of wildlife.

The details

In February 2024, Roberts allegedly struck a female wolf with his snowmobile and then brought the injured animal to a bar in the town of Daniel, where he was seen smiling and holding the wolf with its mouth taped shut. He later took the wolf behind the building and killed it. Roberts was initially only fined $250 by the state's Game and Fish Department, but was later charged with felony animal cruelty in August 2025 after a grand jury indictment.

  • In February 2024, Roberts allegedly struck the wolf with his snowmobile.
  • In February 2025, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed into law a bill prohibiting the torture and possession of wildlife.
  • In August 2025, Roberts was charged with felony animal cruelty.
  • On February 18, 2026, Roberts signed a plea deal to plead guilty or no contest to the felony charge.
  • Roberts is expected to appear in court for a change-of-plea hearing, though no date has been scheduled.

The players

Cody Roberts

A 44-year-old Wyoming hunter who was accused of striking a wolf with his snowmobile, taping its mouth shut, and parading the injured animal in a local bar before killing it.

Mark Gordon

The governor of Wyoming who publicly condemned Roberts' actions and signed into law a bill prohibiting the torture and possession of wildlife.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

The state agency that initially only fined Roberts $250 for the incident, before he was later charged with felony animal cruelty.

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What they’re saying

“Cruelty to any wildlife is absolutely unacceptable. This is not the way anyone should treat any animal.”

— Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming (Cowboy Daily Star)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to accept Roberts' plea deal at an upcoming change-of-plea hearing, the date of which has not yet been scheduled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger animal cruelty laws in Wyoming, as well as concerns over the state's policies that allow the hunting and killing of wolves across most of its territory. The passage of new legislation prohibiting wildlife torture was a direct response to the public outcry over Roberts' actions.