Man Sentenced to Probation for Snowmobile Attack on Wolf

The 44-year-old Wyoming resident brought the wounded animal into a bar before killing it.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:13pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a wolf's paw print in the snow, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A grim reminder of the violent confrontation between man and wolf that sparked outrage over Wyoming's wildlife laws.Pinedale Today

A Wyoming man named Cody Roberts has been sentenced to 18 months of probation for hitting a wolf with a snowmobile, taping the animal's mouth shut, and then bringing it into a rural bar before ultimately killing it. Roberts pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined $1,000, with additional restrictions on drinking alcohol, entering bars or liquor stores, and hunting or fishing during his probation period.

Why it matters

The incident sparked widespread condemnation and scrutiny of Wyoming's laws, which allow people to kill wolves and other predators through a variety of means across most of the state. The case highlighted the ongoing tensions between wildlife conservation efforts and the rights of residents to protect livestock and property.

The details

In February 2024, Cody Roberts, a 44-year-old Wyoming resident, hit a wolf with his snowmobile in the town of Daniel. He then taped the wounded animal's mouth shut and brought it into a rural bar. Roberts later killed the wolf, leading to his arrest and indictment by a rare Wyoming grand jury on animal cruelty charges.

  • The incident occurred in February 2024 in the town of Daniel, Wyoming.
  • Roberts pleaded guilty to the charges in March 2026.
  • Roberts was sentenced to 18 months of probation on April 9, 2026.

The players

Cody Roberts

A 44-year-old Wyoming resident who was sentenced to 18 months of probation for hitting a wolf with a snowmobile, taping its mouth shut, and then killing the animal.

Judge Richard Lavery

The district judge in Pinedale, Wyoming who sentenced Cody Roberts to 18 months of probation, a $1,000 fine, and additional restrictions on alcohol, bars, and hunting/fishing.

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What they’re saying

“I regret what I did and I apologize to my family and community.”

— Cody Roberts

What’s next

The judge's sentence and probation terms will be closely monitored to ensure Roberts complies with the restrictions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between wildlife conservation efforts and the rights of residents in rural areas to protect their property and livestock. It also raises questions about the adequacy of Wyoming's laws governing the treatment of predatory animals.