Wyoming Man Pleads Guilty to Snowmobile Attack on Wolf

Cody Roberts admitted to hitting the animal, taping its mouth, and killing it after showing it off in a bar.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A Wyoming man named Cody Roberts has changed his plea to guilty on charges of felony animal cruelty. Roberts was accused of hitting a wolf with his snowmobile, taping the animal's mouth shut, and then bringing the wounded wolf to a local bar to show it off before ultimately killing it.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between wildlife conservation efforts and some rural residents who may view certain protected animals as nuisances. It also raises concerns about animal welfare and the appropriate treatment of injured wildlife.

The details

According to court documents, Roberts initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but has now changed his plea to guilty. He expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to the community and his family. The judge is reviewing the plea agreement with prosecutors before deciding whether to accept the deal.

  • On an unspecified date, Roberts hit the wolf with his snowmobile.
  • Roberts then taped the wolf's mouth shut and brought it to a local bar to show it off.
  • Roberts later killed the wounded wolf.

The players

Cody Roberts

A Wyoming man who pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty charges for attacking a wolf with his snowmobile, taping its mouth shut, and ultimately killing the animal.

District Judge Richard Lavery

The judge presiding over Cody Roberts' case who is reviewing the plea agreement before deciding whether to accept it.

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What they’re saying

“I sincerely regret my actions and apologize to the community and my family.”

— Cody Roberts (santafenewmexican.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to accept Cody Roberts' plea agreement with prosecutors.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between wildlife conservation efforts and some rural residents who may view certain protected animals as nuisances, as well as the need for better education and enforcement around the appropriate treatment of injured wildlife.