A Wyoming man who ran over a gray wolf with a snowmobile, taped its mouth shut, and later killed it has been sentenced to probation rather than prison. Cody Roberts, 44, received an 18-month probation term from Judge Richard Lavery in Pinedale, Wyoming, after striking a plea agreement with prosecutors in February.
The judge also imposed a $1,000 fine and barred Roberts from drinking alcohol, entering bars or liquor stores, and from hunting or fishing during the probation period. At a March hearing, Roberts expressed remorse for his actions, apologising to his family and the wider community. By pleading guilty, he avoided a potential sentence of up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The incident occurred in February 2024 in Daniel, a small town of about 150 people. According to reports, Roberts ran over the wolf with his snowmobile, taped its mouth shut, posed for a photo with the animal inside a local bar, and later shot it behind the tavern. The case drew widespread public outrage, particularly after photos and video footage of the injured wolf circulated online.
During sentencing, Judge Lavery described the charge as 'disturbing'. Sublette county prosecutor Clayton Melinkovich acknowledged public disappointment with the outcome, saying that some people were unhappy with the result. However, he added that the state felt the sentence was appropriate given the circumstances, noting that cruelty to animals is legally classified as a nonviolent offence.
Roberts had initially received only a minor citation and a few hundred dollars fine for illegally possessing the live wolf, which intensified criticism. The case also highlighted Wyoming laws that permit broad methods for killing wolves and other predators across much of the state.
