Wyoming Man Sentenced to Probation for Snowmobile Attack on Wolf

Incident sparked outrage over state's wildlife laws

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged wolf tracking collar or other wildlife monitoring device, the metal and plastic components starkly illuminated against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the senseless violence inflicted on a protected species.A damaged wildlife tracking collar serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing tensions between conservation efforts and permissive predator laws in Wyoming.Pinedale Today

A 44-year-old Wyoming man named Cody Roberts was sentenced to 18 months of probation, fined $1,000, and prohibited from drinking alcohol, entering bars, or hunting and fishing after pleading guilty to hitting a wolf with a snowmobile, taping its mouth shut, and bringing the wounded animal into a rural bar, where he later killed it.

Why it matters

The incident sparked widespread condemnation and scrutiny of Wyoming's laws that allow people to kill wolves and other predators by a variety of means across most of the state, raising questions about animal cruelty and wildlife protections.

The details

According to court records, in February 2024 Roberts hit a wolf with his snowmobile in the town of Daniel, Wyoming, then taped the animal's mouth shut and brought it into a local bar. Roberts later killed the wolf, though the specific circumstances of its death are unclear. Roberts initially pleaded not guilty but reached a plea deal with prosecutors in February 2026, avoiding up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

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

The players

Cody Roberts

A 44-year-old Wyoming resident who pleaded guilty to hitting a wolf with a snowmobile, taping its mouth shut, and bringing the wounded animal into a rural bar, where he later killed it.

Judge Richard Lavery

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 will be monitored over the 18-month probation period to ensure Roberts complies with the conditions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between wildlife conservation efforts and Wyoming's permissive laws around killing predators, as well as the need for stronger animal cruelty laws to prevent such incidents of senseless violence against protected species.