Cody Roberts walked into the Green River Bar joking that he’d found a lost cattle dog. The woman tending bar that evening seemed to know what would happen next.
“The bartender goes, ‘Cody, you better not bring in a fucking lion,’” an eyewitness recalled. “She knew he was going to bring something in that was not a dog.”
Roberts didn’t listen. It wasn’t a dog and it wasn’t a lion, but moments later he reappeared with a muzzled, leashed wolf — an animal that wanted nothing to do with the Green River Bar.
“It didn’t want to go,” the bar patron recalled. “Like you know when your dog doesn’t want to go to the vet?”
The 42-year-old resident of the small western Wyoming town of Daniel muscled the reticent animal inside. The gravely injured wild wolf remained in the rowdy tavern for hours thereafter.
Wyoming, and the rest of the world, wouldn’t learn of Roberts and the wolf for a month. Since then, the allegations against Roberts — that he ran down the wolf on a snowmobile, taped the injured animal’s mouth shut and showed it off at the bar before killing it — have become international news. Authorities have released few details about what happened beyond two short videos and a citation that showed he was fined $250 for possessing a live wolf.
This account of what happened at the Green River Bar on Feb. 29 comes from an eyewitness to whom WyoFile has granted anonymity. The person, who was at the bar that night and later alerted authorities to what had occurred, is being left nameless at their request for their own safety. The worldwide outrage over this incidence of animal abuse has generated rampant death threats — even toward those who had nothing to do with it. The eyewitness provided WyoFile with videos from that night which corroborated their account.
Patrons of the Green River Bar had a mixed response to a wolf in their midst, the eyewitness recalled. About half of the 30 or so people who came and left the watering hole while the wolf was present that evening appeared to be friends and family of Roberts.
“People were petting it, taking photos of it, hugging on it,” the person recollected. “I want to be clear: He wasn’t kicking or beating or torturing it. The torture was in not putting it down when he ran it over.”
“He was a jokester about it,” the eyewitness added, “while it was just sitting there [internally] bleeding to death.”
Wounded wolf
The eyewitness who described the events of Feb. 29 to WyoFile also reported the incident to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. In response to the tip, State wildlife managers began investigating Roberts on March 1, the day after he brought the animal to the bar. By March 4, Roberts and his attorney met with wardens Adam Hymas and Bubba Haley, during which time he admitted to possessing the live wolf at both his home and a private business, according to legal documents WyoFile acquired through the Wyoming Public Records Act.
During the night at the Green River Bar, the eyewitness did not hear Roberts brag about how or when he acquired the wolf.
But through subsequent communication with a Game and Fish staffer after the tip, the eyewitness was told that Cody Roberts admitted to running it over with a snowmobile. He “injured it so bad it could barely stay conscious,” one state employee told the eyewitness.
Roberts ran down the wolf in an area where Wyoming manages wolves as a “predator” — a zone covering 85% of the state in which there are virtually no regulations on how wolves can be killed. Bludgeoning wolves with snowmobiles here is legal.
Wolf biologist Doug Smith, recently retired from a decades-long tenure at Yellowstone National Park, has reviewed the footage of the wolf in the Green River Bar. Smith was confident the wolf was a yearling born in 2023, which means it would have been about 9 months old by late February. The retired biologist had a read on the animal’s behavior.
“It’s recovering from severe injury, and it’s probably got internal organ damage,” Smith told WyoFile. “The fact that this wolf should be freaking out — and it’s not — indicates it’s in pain and badly injured.”
It’s not always obvious when a wolf is dying from internal injuries, Smith said.
“Having necropsied wolves that have been kicked to death by elk,” he said, “it’s hard to tell externally that they suffered any damage and trauma.”
Roberts could not be reached for an interview. He declined to speak with Emily Cohen, the reporter for community radio station KHOL, who first broke the story, and could not be located when a WyoFile reporter tried to interview him at his home.
Mixed reaction
In the eyewitness’ opinion, Roberts, who runs a trucking company, thought the entire episode was hilarious.
“I don’t know if he’s literally low-IQ, and just doesn’t get that this shit’s not OK,” the eyewitness said. “He was drunk and rambling mostly. A guy who thinks highly of himself.”
After Roberts initially ignored the bar owner, she “didn’t waste her breath” and did not ask the Daniel man to leave or remove the wolf. The eyewitness could tell that the Green River Bar’s owner, who worked solo that night, “was not OK with it,” but was in a tough spot.
“His family were half the patrons at the bar that night,” the eyewitness said. “What are you going to do, kick the whole bar out and close up for the night?”
WyoFile’s attempts to reach the bar owner for an interview were unsuccessful.
Nobody forcefully told Roberts that he needed to put the animal out of its misery during the hours the eyewitness was present. Some patrons were clearly bothered by what was happening, but those folks just removed themselves from the situation and left, the eyewitness said.
Roberts, meanwhile, kept trying to draw attention to his prize.
“By the end of the night, he was calling it a wolf,” the eyewitness said. “He definitely admitted that he put the collars on it.”
In two short video clips of the wolf taken in Green River Bar released by Game and Fish on Wednesday, the prone gray-coated wolf is wearing what appears to be a commercial tracking and shock collar. The eyewitness never saw Roberts shock the dying animal.
The eyewitness left the Green River Bar not knowing what became of the wolf. Later, the witness learned from a Game and Fish staffer that the animal was killed.
A WyoFile reporter heard it was shot behind the Green River Bar when he visited the establishment.
Roberts was fined $250 for illegal possession of warm blooded wildlife, but that was the full extent of the penalty administered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Subsequently, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office launched its own investigation, probing Roberts’ actions for potential animal cruelty violations.
“Our office, along with the Sublette County Attorney’s Office, are working with Wyoming Game and Fish to gather evidence and information relevant to the case,” a statement from the sheriff’s office reads. “As this is an active investigation, we will not be able to release any details at this time.”
The eyewitness, who “loves” Sublette County, regrets how the community’s reputation has been tarnished because of one man’s actions.
“It didn’t need to happen,” the person told WyoFile. “It gives it a bad name. It’s a beautiful place, and there’s great people here. We’re not all Cody Roberts.”
The witness to the tormented, gravely injured wolf also hopes that law enforcement punishes Roberts much more severely so that he and others learn a lesson.
“He’s been going around town telling people it was worth it,” the eyewitness said. “$250? That’s a round for the bar.”
“I would like to see a law that is determined enough to keep people from keeping animals alive when they should not be alive anymore,” the witness added.
This person should be in jail for doing such as cruel Act of running them over in a snowmobile and taking it to a bar and torturing it he should be in prison right now and pain I really Hefty fine $250 what is that
I cannot believe animal cruelty of ANY SORT should be applauded by anyone. They deserve to be here just like anyone. This is not a “man” nor a human. He belongs locked in a cave…I am still in shock over this. I also watched the documentary called EXPOSED about the FWS. THEY ARE JUST AS BAC
I have a German Shepherd and have worked and played w animals including wolves and part wolves my whole life. A lot of people out there use the excuse of man having dominion over animals from the Bible to justify torture and killing for their own sport or entertainment. Dominion is not automatically conferred.
It has to be earned, by treating animals w the love and reverence God intended, not wasting their flesh or defiling their spirit. As for the people in the bar, I believe those who shrink from evil are as Godless as those who perpetrate it. My pappy used to say ” you don’t have to stand tall , but you do have to stand up”
This makes me sick to my stomach everything I am reminded of cody roberts extreme cruelty and stupidity. He has a heart of stone and no soul.
How the hell are there no charges filed for animal abuse?? This is outrageous!! There should be prison time for that act of cruelty.
Let’s not forget this incident coming up on a anniversary. What happened to the juvenile Wolf was, is and will be recognized as a tragedy. I don’t have any idea why a group of civilized people would allow this to happen in front of them. We have a responsibility morally to address situations like this in the moment and you didn’t. For some reason you didn’t. Wildlife simply has no protection from people like Colby who have no sense of right or wrong. Alcohol is no excuse he’s knew what he was doing placing an electric collar
on her. Driving over her in a snowmobile. Showing her off in a bar. This happened over hours.
The freedoms we have in this beautiful country come with responsibilities to know right from wrong. You represent us as stewards of our natural resources which belong to all Americans not just you. Please be wise and respectful of your governing decisions whether it’s a troubled individual or a juvenile wolf. I will never forget this incident for it’s left a horribly sick heavy feeling of disappointment in me.
Apparently laws in Wyoming do not protect defenseless animals from traps, guns and morons such as this cruel monster, with similarly deranged friends and family. It is incredible this type of so called people even exist. Who can laugh, congratulate and support his cowardly use of a motorized machinery to run over a defenseless animal, such as that young wolf ? and then join him celebrating while he torture the defenseless, suffering wolf for long hours, mouth duck taped, plus an added torturing collar, all the while bragging, taking pictures and video at a local bar….with impunity?
One can only hope then, that perhaps God and/or karma; will in turn balance the scale of justice on behalf of Nature. In addition to a long jail time and a more costly fine; it would be Justice for example to learn that he and his kin develop some sort of an incurable, deadly decease. Something painful and long lasting, such as a cancer of some sort; that would remind him often of the suffering he caused to this poor wolf and most likely to many other animals before. I’m sure this despicable incident; is simply one sample that managed to surface among others before and after, that didn’t come to light.
This man should be punished not slapped on the wrist. He has learned NOTHING. I thought the laws were getting tougher on people who are this cruel and evil. If he can do this to an animal, he could easily do it to a human being. His pride and arrogance need to be nocked down by the long arm of the law. The people of the United States will not stand to watch as our wild lands and wild life destroyed by those who don’t deserve either. We want JUSTICE!!!!!! I have just learned of this and I will be spreading the word of this horrible act.
Why on earth would anyone want to run down an animal with a snowmobile?! And why hasn’t he been prosecuted for this? Anyone who enjoys torturing animals usually moves on to people. A 9 month old female pup–
just imagine her fear at being dragged around by a “human” into a bar, people all around you, noise, lights, a shock collar, bleeding internally with broken bones. What a perversion of nature some humans have become. I’ve always wanted to see the wolves of Everyone seems to forget that we too are animals, we just happen to be smarter…? I watched “The Wolves of Yellowstone” as a young adult and had always planned to go to Wyoming but no more, with these kind if policies. I didnt believe this man was only fined for what he did to that female wolf pup. It just enrages me and it makes my heart crack open, I will never forget this. This man should be in jail. Is there anything being done since the fine? I so thought we were out of the dark ages where they’d pose by dead wolves because no one knew any better. Cruelty is alive and well as long as this man is free and people thinks it’s ok to kill, or try to kill animals with snowmobiles. The American Indian called wolves “our brothers”—look what’s happened to them.
I want to know why Cody Roberts has not been prosecuted?
Under no circumstances or loop holes in the law should this not be punished.
Failure, is irresponsible and outrageous!!
You don’t have to run over a coyote or wolf with a snowmobile, shoot them humanely, make this hideous practice to stop its animal cruelty at its highest level, make people like Cody to do hard time in jail for his actions and fine him ,no place for activity like this in our society
Wolves don’t humanely kill their prey which often suffer for hours. They’re are too many of them for the population of game and livestock in that area. What the guy did may have been “un-ethical’ but he didn’t hurt a human. If this would have happened to a rat most people wouldn’t care.
Wolves can’t “humanely” kill their prey; They’re wolves. The stupidity of that statement is astounding.
Wyoming had around 350 wolves at the end of 2023. The reported number for killed or injured livestock that year was 49. I shouldn’t need to point out how extremely insignificant that number is. Considering historic wolf numbers, even with human encroachment and habitat loss, there is no evidence suggesting the state (or any place these days) can’t still support an even higher population.
You’ve either been misinformed and lied to or you’re spreading this BS on purpose.
I have just seen this video the wolf was suffering with pain and fear. What is the mentality of a human to chase, injure, shock collar the animal then take it to a bar to be ridiculed.???? The young animal was frightened and in pain. This is cruelty in the extreme. A 250.00 dollar fine – not enough for animal cruelty.
It’s disgusting what he did to that wolf. So is the legality of running animals down with snowmobile. It makes your state look idiotic. I always loved the idea of Wyoming not anymore
The brutality of the Cody Robert’s case is a window into the culture of what is a daily occurrence in the winter months of Wyoming. Reading your article is an eye opening to the extent of the behavior . It is a proven fact that animal cruelty runs over into human cruelty, partner and child abuse. I fine it disgusting that the governor is blocking a change to Wyoming laws to protect wildlife. Wolves are the biggest draw to Yellowstone Park yet he allows them to be brutally killed. It’s a know fact wolves are “baited” just outside the boundaries of the park so that they are easily killed by any means possible. In my opinion Wyoming must change its laws not just for wolves, but all wildlife.
No mention of tax payers money being spent to hunt wolf and coyote from aircraft used by federal, state and county agents. Is there a difference? Yes the plane hunting is sanctioned and done with tax payer money, oh and aircraft more ethical. Why does the writer and many readers hold and judge the people of Wyoming in contempt for Roberts sick and unethical actions.
I “tuned in” to the young female wolf. She is now running with her pack in the stars. She will never reincarnate on this planet again. Eventually, all wolf pack members will follow suit. Wyoming will lose its top predator, and its ecosystem will collapse. The people of Wyoming will call it climate change. But, in truth, the people of Wyoming were incredibly privileged to be stewards of one of the last pieces of paradise on earth. But they responded by taking pleasure in torturing – torturing – its wildlife to death.
He needs to be in jail. Someone who would do this to an animal is a danger to society. I will NEVER spend a dime in that state. My heart breaks for the wolf..bless its soul.
“It didn’t need to happen,” the person told WyoFile. “It gives it a bad name. It’s a beautiful place, and there’s great people here. We’re not all Cody Roberts.” If no one stepped up to stop him or put that animal down gracefully, you are all complicit.
Wyoming animal cruelty laws are some of the weakest in the country and their wildlife cruelty laws are much, much worse, i.e., non-existent. Combined with the backwards-thinking, low IQ mindsets most of these small town residents in Wyoming possess, it’s a recipe for disaster for wildlife, livestock and domestic pets. I lived in Wyoming for 20 years and traveled around the entire state extensively for work for over a decade so I do know of what I speak.
I grew up in MT and have absolute respect for hunters, ranchers and “good hearted” small town folks. This story is not about them. This is about the disturbing behavior of one man and a bar full of friends/family who stood by and continue to stand by.
1. He tried to kill the wolf with his snowmobile. This is cruel. Period.
2. He claimed an injured animal as a trophy and brought it to a bar to show off. This is one or all of three things: Poor judgement, Low IQ, Sociopathic behavior.
3. No one in the bar stood up to him. Pack mentality, Fear, Poor judgement. I don’t blame the bartender or believe the bar should be shut down as some people have expressed.
4. People shot video of the wolf, clearly injured, in pain and did NOTHING. Stupid. Poor Judgement. Shameful.
Please someone prosecute this man, 250$ is a joke. Parking tickets are more than that, do we seriously as a country believe that running a living creature over with any sort of vehicle, tormenting it for hours while it suffers an agonizing death then killing it is acceptable. Please stand up against this.
You all tolerate him. That makes you no better. Just more cowardly.
Do these wolf hunters even realize they are not protecting their livestock they are actually killing them because they will now spread their diseases where the wolf would kill the sick ones not only that but they are helping to upset our ecosystem which in turn will be not good for our planet and karma will have her revenge. Of course the bar license was renewed people like Roberts own that town and all the politicians.
The licence to the Green River Bar was renewed yesterday without any problem.
I feel this man’s reckless and cruel behavior has left a black mark on Wyoming! This has led to possible stiffer penalties and many animal cruelty groups to spotlight Wyoming. I feel he needs a stiffer penalty for his actions. I believe laws should be changed to stiffer penalties for cruelty to any animal, domestic or wild.
There’s a special place in hell for people that mistreat other people and animals.
The fine for this behavior needs to be seriously reevaluated because a $250 fine will never stop someone from repeating this horrific behavior. The death of any creature deserves better respect than this regardless of what animal it is…human or otherwise.
Note to Cody Robert’s supporters, the Green River Bar, the town of Daniel and the state of Wyoming:
People with “good hearts” don’t torture animals.
Correct, people with “good hearts,” moral values, and care for life don’t torture and kill animals got fun and jokes.
Actually, from a psychological evaluation point of view, animal abuse and torture is a key factor is in antisocial personality disorder (sociopath) usually seen in most of the criminal and prison population. What is Cody Robert’s fire starting history?
Today a defenseless gravely (purposely) injured animal. Tomorrow an easy target human.
Agree!
I think at minimum he should get a 10,000 dollar fine and all hunting privileges of any kind revoked for life money donated to a animal cruelty organization, possibly even 30 day jail. A 250.00 fine does nothing to this “man” This is blatant animal cruelty allowing an animal to suffer knowingly for hours, parading it around the town. It also puts people at risk. Wyoming laws need to be changed. No animal should be chased and ran over by a vehicle. Trapping, shooting is much more ethical. I am a hunter and we have enough backlash without this kind of thing. This also makes the town and the state of Wyoming look bad. Wyoming lawmakers and DNR need to do better and make changes to show its residents that hunting is a right and is good for conservation and also the economy of the state but that animals deserve to be harvested humanely as possible. When I harvest an animal, I actually thank God, the animal and Mother Nature for allowing me such a privilege. It’s not wrong to celebrate the kill, it’s wrong not to celebrate the life.
Thank you for such a well written post
agree with everything you wrote.
This is a huge message to the
Green River Bar that the police should have been summoned immediately and the patrons at the bar should have demanded him to leave and put that
poor animal gently out of her suffering.
This is 100 % reason for him to be in in prison.
Good answer! Thank you!
Agreed.
I’m a hunter. My children hunt. My husband hunts. We are also a farming family, with generations of farmers before us. This is not hunting. This is not wildlife management. As hunters we are charged to be the ultimate in conservation, managing and preserving species for future generations to enjoy and marvel. This goes against EVERYTHING we taught our children about treating every species with respect and dignity it deserves. I’m so furious that this man decided to take a management tool and abuse his power. This picture shows a beast and predator but it isn’t the wolf….
Well said, Lisa.
Absolutely spot on!
This is totally, unjust. Cody Robert’s should be held accountable for his actions. One concern is, he killed the wolf latter that evening. Isn’t it illegal to fire a weapon in the city limits. Isn’t it also illegal to discharge a firearm while being intoxicated. There has to be some rules. And laws the prohibit this. People need to boycott the green river bar and boycott Cody’s business.
I’m beside myself in the reading of this despicable act! We really are the scourge on this planet I think the people that lived here for thousands of years before people like this person started living in Wyoming what they would have to say about it are any of the tribes in Wyoming commenting?
Cody Roberts does not tarnish Sublette county – their weak response does.
Why is this bar still open?
Yes
This behavior is totally an outrage; it is sickening, immoral, unethical, and unjust. The article mentions the pain the wolf was undoubtedly in, but not the mental anguish – the fear and horror the poor animal experienced (it can plainly be seen when looking into her eyes) is also a significant part of the abuse. Humans seem to think animals are unfeeling creatures, when quite the oposite is true. They likely feel feelings like fear and pain much more acutely than humans due to the circumstances they are in that they cannot fathom or reason a way out of. I am gut wrechingly sickened by the behavior of this man, but also at the indifference and unjustness of a society that allows it to happen in the first place.
Kathy Dunn …Well said…I am so angry
He will get away with it because he didn’t physically torture the animal per se and since there is no law against running it over he was charged for what they could possession . Don’t get me wrong it’s sick ! I’m just speaking from experience since a similar cruelty incident happened in Vermont with a deer and as of yet no cruelty charges but we still actively trying to change our laws as well . It’s time for change! For a man made law to protect a man who intentionally ran down and tormented an animal and allow him to get away with it shows you how much there is a lack of respect for wildlife . If he did that to someone’s dog he would go to jail! Just because a wild animal was involved doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings or should have rights. That wolfs compassion and respect as an apex predator on this earth far exceeds any persons that participated in this act.
The mental anguish is torture. Our laws should acknowledge this. You are likely right, he will get away with it. Our laws badly need to be changed.
That dam bar needs to be shut down, what a demoralizing event. Shame on those people in the bar that ignored what was happening. How can anyone put up with that wolf killing moron.
The Wyoming laws need to evolve. This man should be more severely penalized than a $250 fine. I am an ethical hunter. None of this behavior is remotely ethical. I’d like to see him lose his hunting privileges and his ability to snowmobile for life!
Unfortunately this incident shows how cowardly some men behave. Ramming an animal with a vehicle is not hunting or defending yourself against a predator. It’s joy in killing and taking a life. For the family and friends of Cody Roberts, you aught to be ashamed for not teaching him respect for life. Not one of you did anything but defend him. If your military men, apparently you agree with torcher and kill, not be a kind neighbor. Never wanna go where people applaud others behaving like this. It is an embarassment. What a horrible way to teach our young to care about each other.
The whole family should be accountable. Are they notorious in this town and know one wants to say anything to them? Bullies ! Cruel! Why wouldn’t the bar owner close the bar and say this is not acceptable. All out and call the law? Change the laws for these poor animals. Just sickening behaviour. I hope the wolves catch him out on his own and serve the action to him. Also what sort of person gets anything from doing that. Sickening !!! Disgusting man!
Cody Roberts is a despicable human being and should be held accountable for abusing and torturing this wolf pup. This, more than likely, is not the first time he did something like this but it should be his last. He should lose his hunting and gun licenses for life and so should his family. He should also be fined heavily enough that he loses his business or close to it, if not jailed. The bar, should be fined heavily for turning a blind eye to this abuse. There’s no excuse that’s acceptable. All those involved whether by cheering him on or looking the other way should be made examples of.
I suggest all of us to leave a review for the “Green River Bar” everywhere possible. People should be aware of the heinous act that happened there.
Wyoming needs to amend laws .abuse doesn’t matter human or beast does not justify abuse.this needs to have au serious look at wolf hunting.
Not just Wyomings reputation, Cody’s sadistic stunt makes the entire country’s reputation appear questionable.
I’m not a hunter myself but I am not against hunting for food or protection, however I think the laws need to be changed as soon as possible that if you are going to kill a wild animal for whatever reason, it needs to be done quickly and as humanely as possible and made a felony if someone causes unnecessary pain and suffering to said animal as was in THIS case. Cody Roberts needs to be made an example of. I would be willing to bet this is NOT the first wolf he has tortured.
I can not believe a ‘civilized’ person would treat any animal, let alone this beautiful 9 month old female, in such a manner. I can not sleep at night, thinking of this.
Wyoming Statutes 6-3-1005
(a) A person commits felony cruelty to animals if the person:
… (ii) Knowingly, and with intent to cause death or undue suffering, beats with cruelty, tortures, torments or mutilates an animal.
(b) Felony cruelty to animals is a felony punishable by:
… (ii) Imprisonment for not more than two (2) years, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), or both.
He should be prosecuted.
Amend
The bar was full of people laughing and enjoying this horrible episode. It makes you wonder about what else goes on in that town. Daniel, WY sounds like a place right out of Stephen King’s imagination.
This horrendous act of animal cruelty by Cody Roberts, and supported by others in that Green River Bar needs serious punishment including jail time for Cody Roberts, and possibly others that participated. The bar should be closed down, and the state must immediately review it’s outdated laws regarding animal welfare in the state. I personally will not spend another dollar in Wyoming and encourage all others to boycott the state until justice is served.
Wow such a stupid move this Cody guy pulled putting jeopardy current protective status of wolves, future hunting for others, bar owner business and threats to innocent people even sledders may be impacted by his actions, then the tour of mistreatment of a captive injured animal. His actions are probably a repeat of past incidents to think he was superstar in this bar. If Karma Is a reality I wouldn’t want to be Cody.
I have two preference points to hunt elk in Wyoming. As a result of this barbaric form of abuse, I no longer intend to apply for preference points or a hunting license anymore. Nor do I intend to hunt in Wyoming or support anything related to Wyoming. Wyoming has record numbers of elk and had the highest hunter success last year and yet these shoot on site mandates of wolves are disturbing. As a life-long hunter and professional ecologist, I find your approach to managing wildlife seriously dated and more likely subterfuge for historic hatred of predators. I think Commissioner Nesvik needs to reads Aldo Leopold’s essay, “Thinking Like a Moutain,” because the as Leopold would say, even the mountains know that your approach approach in managing predators is ethicslly wrong and defies the science of related to ecology and the management of predators and ungulates. You need to view wildlife from an ecosystem perspective.
This is just morally wrong!
Well written and explained to perfection! I wholeheartedly agree!
Exactly thank you for standing up to this armed Bully.
He has forever ruined our view of Wyoming and its laws pertaining to wolves.
Having grown up on a cattle ranch in Wyoming, where most of our food was hunted or butchered on the farm, opens up alternate perspectives.
The number one rule, is to not let anything suffer, unless there is a chance to save it or help it. I know of many farm animals that had been injured in various different ways, that we worked hard to heal and help recover, some of which died, and others did make a recovery. The same is true for wild animals, who the Fish and Game would take to specialist for wild animals to help recover and even reintroduce.
There is no law against the killing or trapping of these animals. It is likely that wolves are protected under the same state trapping laws, in how they are trapped, etc.
I think the first step to protecting or helping the wild wolf populations is to classify them as a fur bearing Animal similar to bobcats and mountain lions that are regulated, requiring people to get a specific license to trap or kill a wolf in a specific area.
I’ve got a better idea: NO HUNTING OF PREDATORS–PERIOD. It’s indefensible morally, ecologically, & from a practical standpoint. Fewer than 4% of ALL livestock losses nationwide are due to predation by ANY species of carnivore, and that’s a fact. Moreover, wolves account for just 1% of livestock losses across the West. There simply is no logical argument to justify hunting them. The reality is simply that much of rural ranching & hunting culture is mired in a 19th-century mentality toward carnivores that is both outdated & unethical. With Wyoming, Montana, & Idaho bursting at the seams with populations of elk & the livestock industry virtually unaffected by wolf predation (but heavily subsidized by government/private orgs when losses occur), there’s NO excuse for the status quo to continue. Generational lore & prejudice born of ignorance is to blame. Address these things through education, update the law on par with statutory protections afforded domestic dogs & cats, & slap stiff penalties on those who cross the line by committing acts of depravity & inhumane treatment. Perhaps then change will occur. If not, there will be MANY more Cody Roberts-like incidents to come.
A disgusting act
The furbearer idea is well reasoned. It fixes a lot of this.
For the commenters that do not believe in killing predators, just know that it happens whether there is legal hunting or not. If there was no legal hunting, then the government would again hire employees to do it. Why? Because predators are ever breeding and ever expanding into county where they are not compatible. That is the modern world in which we live; the one which each and every one of us contributes to. Wolves can no longer exist everywhere.
Wyoming’s model of complete protection in Yellowstone, trophy management in the buffer around, and a predator zone beyond that has been an absolute boon for the species as compared to the rest of the county. Yellowstone and the trophy zone are at full capacity and still kicking out individuals into the predator zones, even with hunting.
The Trophy and Predator Zones were a hard fought compromise that has returned wolves to NW Wyoming in a meaningful way. So lets see the CA coast do it, or New York, or the Colorado Front Range, or Portland. That’s what I thought.
Wolves are making a comeback in California and are protected by law. The more you know…
The ones who bring Politics into this are no different than Roberts
What transplanted wolves do to elk moose deer is not being disputed. In fact when you decimate half a “Local” wolf pack other move in and kill for the sake of killing. What’s not disputed either, is how pathetic of an individual this Hunter is for torturing and maiming the wolf. I hunt and never have I ever thought of or treated an animal like this.
The Daniel wolf is becoming Wyoming’s own Cecil the lion type incident.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Cecil_the_lion
This psychopath needs to be in prison. That poor defenseless pup should of been left alone. This coward needs to know this is not right and there is punishment for his actions. It takes a sick mind to enjoy watching an animal being tortured.
Exactly the State and Town should be 100% behind a Prison Time and Never Allow a Man like this to own Any Weapon or have a hunting license .
Wyoming the World is Watching how you handle this!
This poor wolf pup suffered from his injuries after being hit by the monster on the snowmobile, then had his mouth taped shut & 😢 tortured while being scared for his life!!! This is the worst animal cruelty I’ve ever seen & heard of & he needs to be put in prison for YEARS & FINED FOR THIS ACT OF HORRIBLE HORRIFIC CRUELTY LAUGHING ABOUT IT AFTERWARDS TOO!!
This is an upsetting episode about the hours-long depravity of a barbaric man. What makes it worse is the bar full of community supporters of this depravity. Shame on Game and Fish for trying to quickly squelch this horrific story with a minimal charge and fine! The County Prosecutor needs to charge this sadist with felony animal cruelty which, per the statute, does not exclude predatory animals. The penalty should be the maximum two years in prison and a $5000 fine. The courts could also limit his ability to own animals. Since he apparently owns a pack of hunting dogs, that would be a fitting punishment. It also makes me wonder if he sicced his hunting dogs on this dying creature while it was restrained to further torment it? This sub-human cretin is a sick individual who should not be free to walk among us nor be entrusted with any animals.
Tonia,
Bravely said. Thank you.
How do we know that this wolfdog was not a pet wolfdog? It seems odd to me that the wolfdog seems very passive. However, it is despicable that such terrible torture was done to a wolfdog who is only looking to survive. May God bestow just punishment on Cody Roberts and every person who participated in this unimaginable cruelty. God is just and will certainly see that Cody Roberts is punished. I hope the public officials in Wyoming change the law to ensure that this never happens again without severely punishing the perpetrator(s). I hope that the good people of Wyoming protest the Green River Bar to put them out of business. I pray for innocent creatures and people who fall victim to evil people like Cody Roberts and the owners and those who frequent the Green River Bar. May God Bless the person who came forward and reported this incident to the authorities. It takes courage to do this. Thank you!
It did seem very calm for a wild animal.
You could not do that with a wild raccoon or bobcat.
No matter how injured or tired, they were, they would fight with every inch of their life.
Run down by a snowmobile, the wolf likely had severe internal injuries, as well as suffering from shock. Wyoming law needs to change.
Because it was dying of its injuries and unable to fight. Scared to death, shock collar on and internal injuries.
There is a difference between killing a predator to protect livestock and turning its death into a night’s entertainment. This is not hunting.
This has shockingly reached the UK, stories on IG show outrage and anger. In the UK with the current XL Bully ban that started in Jan 2024, public are showing up at the doors of those people known to have been abusing these dogs, our Law enforcement know this and actually are showing up with the public to provide justice. I wouldn’t be surprised if Brits start to travel far and wide to teach a lesson to those in the video and considering the footage shown worldwide is unbearable to watch, to see the detailed suffering of a innocent wolf, Wyoming should really act now to show those involved severe punishment. There are countries that wouldn’t accept this abuse and unfortunately the punishment in the UK is far worse damage than 250 dollars.
Thank you for your support. All the way from the UK. Thank you for caring.
And in Ireland too we are similarly disgusted at that man’s sociopathic behaviour to a poor injured animal. Unfortunately there is animal cruelty everywhere, and punishment is rarely sufficient, but the sadistic enjoyment displayed by this sociopath and the ignorant stupid cowardly people in the bar who witnessed it and did nothing, is chilling to imagine. I have visited America several times, but will confine future visits to more enlightened parts.
I live in Arizona in the suburbs. The entire state is a wildlife area. We have coyote packs and wild giant hogs, large cats, mountain lions, predator birds. They run thru the open spaces and thru the drainpipes and washes. I had a pack of wild coyotes stalking my dog. They jump the fences and get your pets. They run thru the golf courses. You go walking around at night no telling what you might run into in your own neighborhood- but nobody runs them down with their cars, or traps them and tortures them and drags them into a bar and posts photos of themselves on the internet- we call wildlife control or the fire dept who has a special wildlife team – and this policy goes pretty much nationwide for all wildlife. My family live in Nebraska and go hunting in South Dakota, snd nobody in my family has run down a deer and dragged it into a bar – THEN CLAIMED IT THREATENED THEIR LIFESTYLE. Green River Bar is a bunch of drunken yahoos. Place should be closed down, what a bunch of ignorant stupid drunks.
This breaks my heart. How can it be legal to run over wolves and coyotes and then torture them?Animal cruelty Laws need to change.
Animals are not evil. They do not distinguish right from wrong as humans are supposed to do. Chasing an animal on a machine that may break down but doesn’t get tired is cruel. Bringing an animal into a building that serves food and drink is a health hazard. Bringing in that animal, that is severely injured and incapacitated is inhumane. We all share this planet and respect for it is essential. The penalty for these infractions must be more severe. Step up Wyoming and do what is right
Barbara Hamel,
Your ability to make such a level headed reply is commendable. I hope Wyoming hears what you said and makes the much needed changes to their laws. In the name of humanity.
I am still in shock after learning of this heinous act of brutality against this poor wolf who must have suffered in agony for hours. The fact that not one person stepped in to stop it at that bar is just as horrific as what that lowlife monster inflicted on it. We must be the voice for these animals who have been labeled predators because humans have decided they are bad and should be feared. The only predator in this incident is Cody Roberts and the bar full of patrons drinking their beers and allowing this to continue. Every one of us who is thoroughly disgusted by what happened in Wyoming to that beautiful wolf must take action now to prevent it from ever happening again. Get it all over the news, social media especially the perpetrators name, contact the state of Wyoming and express your outrage. We can and must work on getting the laws changed for these animals now! Let this despicable crime against this beautiful young wolf be the turning point of change that needs to happen in this world.
Believe me, the Roberts group are still yukking it up at the Green River Bar. The notoriety and attention is enjoyed and as one of them has said, well worth $250. For those out of state people, please don’t judge the rest of Wyoming…99% of us are not like these yahoos and despise this wolf incident as much and possibly more then you do. From what I understand, this is not over yet and Cody Roberts along with the Green River Bar ownership have not seen the last of the authorities. We’ll see if they’re all still laughing it up in a few weeks.
why not just kill it and be done with it?
This is such a shame for all the decent people who rely on Wyoming’s tourist industry. A terrible blow to that state’s reputation. This story is not going away. The Govt is going to have to pull something out of the bag by way of holding this man properly accountable. The world is watching to see what the authorities do.
This is beyond evil
Having lived previously on the border of Alaska for 12 years your comment is preposterously ridiculous. Nobody be it rancher or hunter of that area would tolerate how this predatory animal was tortured. Have you even hunted an animal. The code is do no harm! This monster tortured the wolf. Yes it’s sad to see NATURE in action. Watching a wolf hunt and tear apart an Elk is no worse than a killer whale hunting seals or sharks. Every creature has its place in conservation measures. How about the grizzlies I’ve watched eating deer or wolf? Or the wild goats in the mountain peaks. I watched two Grizz fight it out after chasing down a defenceless goat. Should I have dispatched them too. Reread your words and give your head a shake at your reasoning. I grew up on Vancouver Island. The wolf culls practically wiped out the species , shooting at them from helicopters. Finally Conservation realized how wrong they were.
I have been haunted by this story. What human would do this? My hope is that the consequences for Cody Roberts are reconsidered and will extend far beyond a $250.00 fine.
Justification for what Cody did to a helpless animal, wolf or woodpecker, doesn’t address the sickness of his actions.
Poor souls spine probably fractured. Other body parts internal organs damaged. Forced to be paraded on a leash with shock collar. Oh my god. Pics taken, kisses, laughing, then beat to death!
Running down animals with a snowmobile?? Why in the world would Wyoming citizens think that is ok? Such intentional cruelty is inexcusable and an enormous stain on Wyoming – totally nauseating and sad.
Wow!why don’t you people have this much outrage when they are smacking poor women in the back of the head , or pushing people into the subway tracks!
We can be outraged at all cruelty, Patrick.
They do !! An animal is defenseless & after he cruelly taped his mouth shut after the monster hit him with his snowmobile, the wolf was just a pup & he brings the poor thing to a bar where he’s abused some more!! Have you no empathy or love for animals??
You’ve made a baseless assumption that WyoFlle readers aren’t outraged by felonious assaults that occur in New York and elsewhere, but those events aren’t within the scope of WyoFile’s news coverage. Moronic and bankrupt acts of brute animal cruelty taking place within Wyoming do!
We can be outraged at both. I was even more outraged about the misogynistic trump supporter attacking women in NYC.
People with no experience of non native wolves transplanted to their home should experience the reality and no comment based on their opinion or feelings. Wolves have decimated the native wildlife in our forest. They do kill for sport. Any elk and deer left in our area live in or near town. It’s not the wolves fault. It’s the biologists that are not raised outdoors but learn everything they know about animals from a book. Get out there and see the devastation. Then comment when you see an elk or deer left alive with it’s organs torn out.
Wolves do not kill for sport. They would be expending more energy than needed and it’s highly dangerous for them, especially with larger animals such as moose and elk. Wolves that have been transplanted into areas are not out there without reason, especially considering the backlash often received from the public. The likelihood that your native wildlife was decimating the ecosystem with populations exceeding the biological carrying capacity is far more likely than the wolves hunting out of control and for sport.
Actually, many people are well aware of that. Are you suggesting that that justifies this level of idiotic & perverse cruelty to any animal? Does this kind of pathetic lowlife meanness ever help address the kind of issues you’re pointing out?
They are native to your forest we hunted them out due to fear and being hungry ourselves. You don’t live outdoors, you live in a house.
Humans have the choice to NOT be torturers and murderers. Animals don’t. That’s the difference.
There is no excuse for the utter depravity this man Cody Roberts did to this animal.
I have lived here for quite a long time and sorry, I don’t buy this. The wolves are not decimating the wildlife, if they were in fact decimating the wildlife, we wouldn’t have the oversized elk herd problems that we currently have. If anything, we need more wolves.
Yeah thats why the state agency in WY is having to cull the overpopulated elk now because they were so decimated by wolves. LOL There is good reason for the stupid stereotypes.
This is the kind of thing that makes me very happy I left Wyoming after living there for 30 years. Most people in Wyoming would never run down any animal with their snowmobile or drag it wounded into a bar. But the number of people with such a mentality has increased exponentially with the influx and rise to power of the far right wing and the steady progress in arming any idiot who wants a gun to carry as many as they like, drunk or sober. Good sense and common decency are becoming rarer with each passing year. And anyone who thinks it’s weird that no one spoke up to stop this disgusting nonsense, remember that speaking up in a bar full of armed, drunk crazies is not quite so easy as some of the commenters make it sound. Wyoming is not a place for normal people unless they have been there for generations and so are mostly left alone if they don’t speak too loudly about what is happening to the state. If you do not live in Wyoming, don’t go there.
Ok, what I’m seeing in these pics and film clips is a canine that has these items placed on her: pet co. supplied muzzle – a leash – a dog shocking collar – dog tracking collar. Plus, the fact that this animal was brought into both a private home and business that serves the public. Along with the health dept and liquor dept paying a visit to the Green River Bar soon, trouble, more trouble will be coming Mr. Roberts way. The preceding facts, my friends, will be what elevates these case from some scumbag running over a ‘lowly’ unprotected predator with a snowmobile ($250 fine and a whole bunch of chuckles) to actual Animal cruelty-abuse-neglect charges. Hey Cody, that attorney you retained to hash over the $250 G n’ F fine? You’re going to need an expensive dream team law firm moving forward. Your respect has been drained, now get ready to feel it in the wallet
This is so incredibly disturbing. I personally can not kill anything so I may not be completely objective here. I won’t comment on the snowmobile but the cruelty. The fact that this living there lay suffering for hours is beyond my comprehension. This individual must be subjected to more punishment. Where has humanity gone
I’m just want to say what was done to that animal was so horrible. I can’t get the pictures of that poor wolf out of my head. This has caused me so much sadness. God saw what you did Cody Robert’s !!
Thank you for exposing this disgusting incident. This individual, Cody Roberts, cruelly ran the wolf over with his snowmobile legally in Wyoming? Then took it home where he potentially continued to torture it with a shock collar that had been put around the poor beasts neck? Then took the wolf to a bar where his friends and family could enjoy the good joke of an animal suffering? That picture of the wolf dying in pain on the floor of the bar will haunt me. I only hope that the “good people” of Daniel, Wyoming, who found the wolf’s agony amusing or did nothing to stop it, look in a mirror and see what the rest of the nation and world sees–individuals who are lacking basic human decency. It’s a small step from the torture of animals to other heinous acts. Mr. Roberts should be kept under close scrutiny in the future.
This despicable example of animal cruelty has haunted me for days. I cannot “unsee” the photos and the videos and they are sickening. Shame on Cody Roberts for giving true hunters in this country a black eye. I come from a large family of western hunters that would never dream of committing such revolting animal cruelty ever, let alone in a public space. The level of arrogance and ignorance Cody supposedly displayed was truly astounding. True hunters and their families everywhere are disgusted by depraved humans like him. We are also shaking our heads regarding the folks in the bar who were totally complicit and cheering on the spectacle of a clearly tortured young animal with probable massive internal injuries being bound and gagged in her slowly dying moments. The cooperative behavior of the bar owner was appalling as well. There are so many things she could have done differently as the owner of the establishment and she chose not to be an ethical human. I have traveled many times to Wyoming and have only had wonderful experiences there with my family. The Wyoming state legislature needs to tighten up their laws and statutes regarding hunting animals and humane treatment. The current state of their laws leave far too much space for broad interpretation by idiots who want to justify their disgusting actions and far too much ability for horrible behavior to become “acceptable.” I honestly hope that the Daniel community encourages their children to grow up with a far more ethical approach to being responsible and respectful hunters and outdoorsmen. Cody Roberts is getting all of the attention and spotlight he obviously craves, but in the most negative and hideous light possible as an adolescent wolf torturer. Hopefully kids who grow up out West as hunters will “DO BETTER” in all aspects of their future adult lives. It’s now time for the Sheriff and the DA of Sublette County to step up and do the right thing with the investigation of this horrific incident as well. This should not be regarded as a political agenda item. This is an issue of we live in the United States in 2024 and we expect a certain level of responsible human decency from our fellow citizens. There is nothing remotely “decent” about the behavior that Cody Roberts displayed for the world to see that night.
Wonderful perspective. Thanks for your insight and educated gift of hope.
Heart breaking reading all this in the UK.
Roberts knew he was doing wrong. He just thought his buddies wouldn’t turn him in.
What a pathetic person
Alan Leeper – I find it curious that you are willing to paint an entire community as MAGA. Seems like you have politics on the brain and are unable to differentiate the wrongs of an individual from the community they live in. I lived in Sublette County for years and will tell you there are MANY fine people there. I guess it would be OK for me to judge you and your community as despicable people if something similar happened there. The actions of one person aren’t the actions of their community. Grow up
This was not an individual and you know that so I don’t know why you would try and mislead. An estimated 30 people (Daniel has a population of 158) went into the bar and several also took pictures with this tutored wolf. I will paint this community unwell, this would not happen in many places in the US, the person that had the courage to tell this story in in fear for their well being which also reflects on the community. You are more than welcome to judge my community when 30 people sit in a bar with a dying, suffering wild animal taking pictures and think for some demented reason that would be okay. That said that doesn’t mean everyone in this town is deranged or even bad people but it does show that there is an acceptance or silence when acts like this happen and that is unwell.
Although dispatching the Wolf quickly after running it over might have been more humane. Make No Mistake, whining about dispatching one of the more dispassionate killers in the wild tells this recent transplant from Alaska you have NO idea of the brutality of this killing machine. I’m not inclined to justify my comments for the under informed writing the article or those responding, but having watched a wolf pack prey on young caribou and moose in the wild without an ability to intercede makes me pro dispatch every time.
I’m not a rancher, but can see the problem wolves might cause during calving. Animals raised by man for subsistence or commercial purposes have a protectorate, but in the wild “horned ungulates” don’t.
Clearly, identifying fair case rules are the problem, not whining about the “poor wolves” – killers of wildlife.
Based on the recoil expressed by respondents to the article, it would appear more here are inclined to complain then to craft fair cases rules as other states have done.
I see your point, Rex. I believe the outrage focuses on the cruelty and joy reflected in the torture of a living being. Please explain how you approve? Kind regards.
Wolves are not “brutal killers”, they are predators who take down and consume their prey the way they know how. It is simply the circle of life for these creatures. They prey on the young, elderly, and sick because it reduces risk and energy output. If wolves were not to kill these animals, they would die anyway or their populations would get out of control and exceed carrying capacity, causing more deaths within the population than before
This is a bunch of sick sadistic drunks. Big difference.
Good coverage. But the wolf’s abuser wasnt the only one responsible for letting its torture continue. There were lots of patrons engaging and it would have been easy for one if them or the bartender to go to the Ladies or step outside and call the police. This entire episode raises a LOT of questions : What is cruelty? What is Mercy? How do we treat animals in our culture? What does the episode say about Wyoming to the World? And where were the Wyoming heroes in the bar? The big hero here is Wyofile for raising these issues.
the story said most of the patrons of the bar were friends of his so they weren’t likely to turn him in. Fortunately, someone did
If I was Cody Roberts (Heaven forbid) I think I would get out of Wyoming and never return!
It is the duty of those who can speak to speak up for those that cant….
The lack of empathy of Cody and many other hunters as they trap using leg traps then decide to sit next to the hapless creature to pose for selfies……and worst still they make it a family affair and post their selfies with suffering, scared creatures.
I see a wolf or mountain Lion and I am filled with awe at their beauty…..I will never understand how someone else would see it as something to injure, taunt and then kill.
As long as these poor animals have no voice the people who hurt them will NEVER stop hearing mine!
In the recent video showing Cody Roberts kissing the seriously injured, tormented and tortured wolf, Roberts appears to be highly intoxicated. It has been reported that Roberts owns a heavy-haul trucking company. I would assume the bulk of his work is associated with oil and gas development in Sublette County. Given Roberts reprehensible behavior and actions, I would hope that any and all respectable oilfield companies that utilize Cody Roberts trucking services find a different trucking company to fill their needs.
I could not agree more.
Yes!
I’ll bet that the anti corner crossing owner of Elk Mtn Ranch is relieved to be unseated as the most despised man in Wyoming. Cody Roberts of Daniel, Wyoming has unanimously seized that crown and I’d like to nominate the Roberts clan + the Green River Bar ownership an award for dishonorable mention. An unbelievably sad series of events, especially that auntie Jeanne Ivie Roberts for mocking the whole affair with the wolf hide and taped mouth. It’s extremely doubtful that the Green River Bar will financially survive this —- storm
The fact that this is totally unsurprising to me is a huge reason why I finally left Wyoming last year. The mouth-breathers will say, “good riddance” to me, but it’s infuriating and exhausting to feel like a lonely voice against the constant waves of ignorance and gleeful violence that run through this state. I’m not alone in that- Wyoming is suffering a brain-drain and a youth exodus as it clings to antiquated ways.
Of course not everyone in Wyoming is like this cruel, stupid toad (apologies to toads!). I myself was born in Wyoming and lived there most of my life, so yes, I’m as much of a “true Wyomingite” as Cody Roberts and his friends. But things like this- and knowing it goes on all the time in less-visible ways- make me ashamed of my state on personal and state-levels. Wyoming does everything it can to keep people like Roberts happy while alienating those who find this cruelty abhorrent.
The ONLY good thing that might come out of this poor wolf’s death is change. I hope it comes soon, both for the animals’ sake and for the sake of a state that I nonetheless love.
Everyone on here has been civil. But living in Wyoming has nothing to do with being civil. Step back for a moment and look at how that wolf was injured in the first place. The wolf was legally run over by a snowmobile. Wyoming APPROVES of death of a predator species by being run over by a snowmobile. How fast do you think the US court system would react if we allowed convicted killers sentenced to death to be executed not by lethal injection but by being run over by a snowmobile.
One thing I haven’t seen mentioned… there is a very strong indication he’s done something like this before. He announced he’d found a dog and the bartender/owner said “don’t you bring a lion in here” or something like that. They knew he wasn’t bringing a dog in – why would anyone think that unless he’d done it before? Investigators need to look into that possibility …
People keep claiming that it was the actions of just one man but I disagree with that assessment. Cody Roberts is the one who committed the animal cruelty, but the bar owner allowed it when she could have called 911, everyone in the bar allowed it when they could have called 911, we can hear people laughing and rejoicing at the wolves suffering on the videos, in the local Facebook groups many locals were expressing their open support for Cody Roberts and what he did to her. There were even comments in the local groups telling Cody Roberts to go get another one so the rest of us can join in, there was also somebody who stated that he would bring the duct tape if Cody would go get another wolf to torture. The sheriff openly admitted that 99% of the complaints he has received are coming from outside of Wyoming. This is not simply the actions of one man, but a collective sadistic sickness coming from “the wolf hate state.”
The fact that it is legal to inflict unlimited amounts of torture on wolves in 85% of Wyoming territory should clearly tell you that at least 50% of the population supports this. If more than 50% of the population opposed torturing wolves this law would have been overturned long ago.
This is a collective sickness and it should be addressed with a collective consequence. I have already written to every corporate grocery chain in the US and ask them to discontinue all beef purchases sourced from the state of Wyoming.
This incident is horrific! It is an affront to humanity and wildlife. The waffling of State, County and local authorities is weak and smacks of complicity with what this cruel, violent abuser perpetrated on this animal.
Wyoming presents itself as a State that honors nature and provides an environment for appreciation of same. Running down, maiming, torturing and, eventually, killing a young animal does not support this ‘nature loving’ narrative. Wyoming needs to take stock and attempt to repair the awful damage this incident has done.
Thank you, WyoFile for your ongoing coverage of this terrible tragedy. Thank you too to the anonymous individual who reported this incident. It if wasn’t for their courage and honesty, this abuse may never have come to light, remaining a secret among a few individuals in Daniel, Wyoming. Now, we have an opportunity to make a change in the laws of Wyoming. This is a pivotal moment. Keep the pressure on (politely, but firmly). Let’s get these antiquated laws thrown out and replaced with reasonable, more humane laws. And to our out-of-state readers, please don’t let this incident reflect your opinion about Wyoming residents. Many of us have been fighting against the abuse of prey animals here too – and we are fighting an uphill battle against some very influential special interest groups. In this way, Cody Roberts opened a door for us – let’s make change now and not let that beautiful young wolf’s death be in vain.
Amen to your words. I hope the area heeds your words and understands people who are mean do not stop with animals. Jackie Giroux
If the owner of the Green River Bar was present and allowed this to happen, that person and establishment should be investigated by the Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture and Wyoming Dept. of Health and have their food service/business license revoked. Wyoming Food Safety Rules PROHIBIT LIVE ANIMALS (and certainly live, potentially disease carrying wild animals) from food service establishments. Chapter 9, Section 52:
Prohibiting Animals.
(a) Except as specified under Chapter 9, Section 52(b) and (c), live animals
may not be allowed on the premises of an establishment or processing plant.
(b) Live animals may be allowed in the following situations if the
9-14
contamination of food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped
single-service and single-use articles cannot result:
(i) Edible fish, or decorative fish in aquariums, shellfish, or crustacea
on ice or under refrigeration, and shellfish and crustacea in display tank systems;
(ii) Patrol dogs accompanying police or security officers in offices and
dining, sales, and storage areas, and sentry dogs running loose in outside fenced areas;
(iii) In areas that are not used for food preparation and that are usually
open for customers, such as dining and sales areas, service animals that are controlled by
the disabled employee or person if a health or safety hazard will not result from the
presence or activities of the service animal; and
(iv) Pets in the common dining areas of institutional care facilities such
as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, or residential care facilities at
times other than during meals if:
(A) Effective partitioning and self-closing doors separate the
common dining areas from food storage or food preparation areas;
(B) Condiments, equipment, and utensils are stored in enclosed
cabinets or removed from the common dining areas when pets are present; and
(C) Dining areas including tables, countertops, and similar
surfaces are effectively cleaned before the next meal service; and
(v) In areas that are not used for food preparation, storage, sales,
display, or dining, in which there are caged animals or animals that are similarly
restricted, such as in a variety store that sells pets or a tourist park that displays animals.
(c) Live or dead fish bait may be stored if contamination of food; clean
equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles
cannot result.
Source link here: https://health.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2012foodrule.pdf
This was one of the first questions I asked but no one wanted to answer. It is sad when a bar owner feels intimidation by the mob, because they are a friend of Cody’s or a family member. The law is the law and I concur with you that the Bar Owner has culpability. In addition, a quiet call to the Sheriff by SOMEONE would have PERHAPS save that beautiful Wolf. I assume 911 still works in that part of the woods, doesn’t it???? Jackie Giroux Filmmaker
PS I hope Cody understands that now he is in the news he is not protected by any confidentiality. He is now a famous person….for all the wrong reasons…except to him I suspect.
To the eyewitness – thank you for reporting this. Thank you for standing up and doing the right thing to ensure this depraved and cruel crime is prosecuted and to compel Wyoming to change its laws to prevent this from occurring again.
That Cody Roberts was able to torture and kill a young wolf in the Green River Bar in front of a number of people who did not intervene is beyond comprehension to me. That he has not been charged for torturing and killing the wolf in the manner he did is beyond comprehension to me. And that Wyoming public officials say that they are outraged but have not yet moved to changed their laws to prevent Cody Roberts and other Wyoming residents from getting away with these crimes is beyond comprehension to me. People from all over America and the world are watching what is playing out in Wyoming with horror and disgust. You are painting yourselves with a broad brush – no one else.
I’m not a Wyoming resident and I normally wouldn’t get involved in another state’s politics but Wyoming is showing America, the world, and it seems itself that it is incapable of humanely and ethically managing its animal populations. And that is why I have been moved to reach out to public officials in Wyoming to express my disgust and dismay.
Of all the states in America, Wyoming is the 15th most dependent on the federal government. For what you pay in taxes, you take a lot of money back. Recently Wyoming has taken a lot of federal tax dollars for energy projects. I’ve told my state’s senators and reps that as someone who is paying a ton of federal taxes living in a state that gets far less back from the federal government than Wyoming that I don’t want to support any legislation benefiting Wyoming. I don’t want to be providing project financing for energy projects in Wyoming if people in the state can torture and kill wolves at bars with impunity. Further, I’ve reached out to energy companies doing business in Wyoming to ask them if this is the type of place they want to do business and if Wyoming’s inhumane and cruel treatment of its animal populations is consistent with their corporate values.
Wyoming is the 4th, not the 15th state that laps up federal handouts. And when ranching can bring in $4 billion dollars that tourism does (tourists come here for viewing animals, not cows), then a discussion about ranching (hugely subsidized) and herd predation is possible.
Cody Roberts is not some outlier in Wyoming’s human landscape. His sadistic, cruel, well-planned out torture, display and killing of this young female wolf recently has spotlighted the ignorance, the uneducated and backwards thinking and behavior of Wyoming residents, our legislature and governing bodies who willingly accept this cruel showmanship as normal. Our governing officials have the ability to change this. Flapping their jaws without action to change laws only makes them a guilty party.
There is another issue here for me. I don’t know if this man struck the young wolf with a snowmobile on federal, state, or private land. About half of Wyoming is federal land, which every citizen supports via taxes. I’m skeptical that Wyoming will do the right thing and reform their laws and regulations, but I personally think we need national standards for domestic and wild animal abuse. If this atrocity occurred on federal land, it’s all the more reason to push for national standards — and start with our federal lands.
I agree with the need to implement Federal and State laws that protect animals from abuse. There should also be a requirement that efforts be taken to catch, treat, and shelter those animals necessary that a person has had contact with.
Low IQ? No, I know stupid people and Cody Roberts ain’t that good. But, it’s sweet to hear that legislator Albert Sommers thinks Roberts is just a “decent” guy. The photo and video evidence says otherwise.
Roberts knew he was doing wrong. What decent person intentionally makes an animal suffer and it had shock collar
How was the wolf killed? Gunshot? Why hasn’t Cody Roberts been charged with discharging a weapon in Daniel’s town limits? Or did he kick it to death?
“What are you going to do, kick the whole bar out and close up for the night?” Yes! or you become complicit.
“Roberts, who runs a trucking company”. I’d put that in the past tense.
This is so disturbing on so many levels. Wolves have been hated for centuries – humans hate what they don’t understand. Wolves and other wild predators kill only for survival – humans kill for thrill and bragging rights. It is a complete travesty that there are no animal cruelty laws to protect wolves and other wild canids, and it is unfathomable that this state thinks running them down with snowmobiles is morcanister, ethically ok. WTF? This whole incident infuriates me, and I can only hope one day this sad excuse for a human meets the appropriate karma. I am disgusted by this countries lack of humanity and cruel treatment of non-human animals. I hope this young wolf’s death will spark massive change and not be in vain.
It’s really hard to believe anything anyone in this town says. If a person stands by ignoring the suffering of a living creature that has been brutally wounded and is dying in agony, then they are guilty too. All of those people who watched it happen that night and didn’t say anything are guilty, 100%. And for the owner or whoever was behind the bar to say that they couldn’t do anything, that’s a lie. One always has the choice of doing the right thing.
The person who owns the bar and allows Cody roberts and his family to patronize this guilty. And, I’ve seen the bar’s facebook page, so i know they are just as cruel and evil. They have a picture of Cody Roberts and the dying wolf as their facebook profile picture. They also have a picture of a deer who looks like it’s entangled and suffering as well. This says it all. There is something seriously wrong with this town. And if there are any decent people in it, they better stand up and start speaking out against this type of inexcusable and evil behavior.
All they had to do was step outside and call 911. They didn’t have to put themselves in harm’s Way by confronting him directly. A simple 911 call. 30 people in the bar and not one of them cared enough to do it.
This is precisely what hunters are. This is precisely what anti-wolf extremists are.
This particular monster was just dumb enough and drunk enough to show their juvenile nature. I am sadly not going to even waste my time trying to demand harsher punishments: this is Wyoming, a state that treats wolves like vermin 🙁
New videos have surfaced showing Cody Roberts kissing the wolf while inside of Green River Bar. In the video, he is clearly intoxicated, barely able to string together words to form a sentence. Also, many eyewitness accounts suggest he was heavily intoxicated. According to 23-3-307 of the Wyoming state lawbook, it is illegal to carry a firearm with a cartridge therein, or take any wildlife in Wyoming, while intoxicated. Given that eyewitness reports state that Cody Roberts shot the wolf behind the Green River Bar, it would seem he was in violation of state firearm laws. Seems that would be another avenue to pursue further charges against him. It’s hard to imagine any legitimate hunter or firearm enthusiast would justify using a firearm while heavily intoxicated in close vicinity of a drinking establishment.
some new and completely disturbing videos were published on another wyoming news site this evening, including Cody Roberts giving the ‘kiss of death’ to the snarling wolf. Absolutely sickening and I would hope that the sublette co sheriffs investigation of this matter also looks at any missing people or cold cases in or around daniel wyoming. someone who is that cruel to an animal and happily allows videos to be taken obviously is no stranger to this horrid activity. it’s a fact, animal abusers are often abusers of fellow human beings. as for the rest of the crew in that green river bar, including the roberts family cheering their boy on and the bar owner who let it all happen, well, saying shame on you just isn’t enough. hopefully the county health dept looks at this situation of bringing a wild and potentially danger animal into this establishment and the state liquor people should do the same. with the extremely bad publicity and the dangerous crowd that inhabits the green river bar, probably no way to financially recover and closing down the green river bar would be a public service
Wyoming- do better
Sorry Ashley, but as a longtime Wyoming resident I must inform you that this state cannot do better. You see, people like Cody Roberts are the majority in this state; in fact they run it.
Well said; this is who Wyoming is.
This is the most depraved and disgusting act I have seen in quite sometime. I have visited all 50 states, and have always held Wyoming in high regard. I am an American through and through. However, based on Wyoming’s lax stance toward animal cruelty, I will not in good conscience visit that state again. I hope Wyoming’s tourism industry takes a big hit because of this. Wyomingites need to suffer consequences so that they are compelled to write their lawmakers and push for more serious consequences for such a sick and depraved action. Wyoming is no longer known as The Cowboy State, but rather The Coward State. Cody Roberts must be punished much more severely, and it seems based on statutes in the law books that he is facing a 2 year prison sentence. I commend Clayton Melinkovich and the Sublette Attorney’s office for doing what they can to prosecute this (or so they say). Sheriff Lehr also seems to be appalled by this, although I hope they truly are, and are not just posturing for the media. In addition, during the Trump administration, a federal animal cruelty act was passed. Seemingly, this would fit the bill. I can’t imagine the FBI is not looking into this. It is a truly dark mark for Sublette County, the state of Wyoming, and the USA in general. There is no other civilized country where this kind of behavior would be accepted. To only fine him $250 is pathetic, and an abject miscarriage of justice. There should be no sympathy for Nan Mckeough and the Green River Bar. It is not an excuse that Cody Joe Roberts’s family constituted half the bar that night. The GRB should lose their liquor license. Having a wounded, wild predator in a bar would more or less seem to be the least responsible action for a place that serves liquor. I have spent countless hours writing to the relevant authorities in Wyoming encouraging them to salvage the county’s and state’s reputation by charging him with felony animal cruelty, and revoking his hunting rights. The FBI should be banning him from ever owning firearms. Based on accounts of what Cody Roberts’s lifestyle is like, having all of his firearms seized would amount to a worse punishment for him that a short prison sentence. I want to make it very clear that this story has tarred and tarnished Wyoming’s reputation worldwide. That can never be undone. Cody Roberts is a disgrace to the flag of the USA.
Thank you! Every single word of what you say is true. It would be fitting to take away his gun and hunting privileges forever. This must be done. He must be punished. I also spent hours calling and emailing everyone in Wyoming from the Governor to the Sublette County Sheriff’s Department. I received a cold response from most of the people there I spoke with. Do they care? I don’t think they do.
This entire community needs to really ask themselves some serious questions about their lack of morality but the problem is that it won’t happen, this is Wyoming, this is MAGA. This community and especially the people that frequent this bar must be very unwell for Cody Roberts to feel comfortable bringing a tortured animal in to this bar. The bar must be frequented by people that have no empathy for animals and think torturing them is funny or Cody Roberts would never have done what he did. If someone in my community did this the police would be called instantly and the community would be disgusted but these people laughed. This is the rot of the MAGA movement.
Alan, this has nothing to do with MAGA! I don’t understand why you left wing nut jobs have to try to paint bad things as MAGA. Get a life and drop your political BS!
MAGA/Far Right what ever you want to call it is all about hating the Federal Government and any thing to do with it. Wolves have been introduced by the Federal Government that means MAGA hates them period. I’ve seen this kind of thinking over and over again and I find it stunning that you think this has nothing to do with politics. Where did Cody and all the other people involved in this and there are a lot get there hate for Wolves? They probably rarely even see a wolf. This is tribalism at it height. So why don’t you tell us why you believe this happened and leave the insults out if you know how.
I beg to differ, Todd. I grew up in Wyoming, and it’s not the same state it used to be. People are cruel, hateful, and selfish. Trump gave his followers a reason to be their worst selves, and boy did they take him up on it. Very ironic given how most of them claim to be Christians.
Brace yourself, wyofile readers, there are more repulsive and sickening videos coming out, including the brain trust himself, Mr. Cody Roberts, kissing the wolf. Apparently half the Roberts family were in the Green River Bar that night, cheering on this moron. Inbreeding appears to be alive and well in Daniel WY
Cody Roberts is disgusting I hope people stop using his trucking company and he goes broke hit him where it hurts the pocketbook
I read parts of this article, but I just can’t read all the details. I read some people call this dolt a “nice guy.” Hard to swallow that. Purposely made animal suffer for his enjoyment and ego. Yes what a hunter running down animals with a snowmobile.
Wyoming has some serious issues with their management of wildlife.
Jail time may not be appropriate in this case. But perhaps big donations to animal welfare groups and license suspension.
I am from PA but ironically I am scheduled to visit Wyoming for the first time in June. I had no idea it was legal anywhere to run over any animal with a snowmobile?! Is that what Wyoming calls hunting? That’s certainly not fair chase! Only a sadistic cowardly person would deliberately run over any animal and torment a young wolf who had to be in a lot of pain — terror and despair and take a wild animal to a human establishment is another trauma. I hope Wyoming will realize that allowing their wildlife to be run over my recreational vehicles is over the top savage cruelty and giving Wyoming a black eye. No real hunter would think that is okay ! I hope Cody Roberts will be shown the same mercy, compassion, and empathy he showed that young wolf pup. Shame on him — he needs a mental evaluation.
Please add your voice and call Wyoming representatives. Make sure this man and the establishment have serious consequences. We need to make an example of them until Wyoming changes their laws. Call the WY Fish and Game as well.
I’ve lived in Wyoming nearly all of my sixty two years. Until this story came out, I had never heard of running down wildlife with snowmobiles. This incredibly depraved practice is NOT what we call hunting here. If you look at the comments from Wyoming residents, every one of them is from a horrified, sickened person. Please don’t judge the whole of us because of this!
Sarah, unless the officials in Wyoming actually DO something about this horrific case of animal torture then people WILL judge all of Wyoming for it. It is the lack of a quick response to this case that is showing us all that Wyoming as a state does not value sentient beings.
How could people just set and see she was hurting and gravely ill but no one said anything so u are all guilty ! His aunt put tape on her mouth and took pupps skin and was making fun she thought it was halarious ! I left message today for governor and said we planned on going to Wyoming but no way in hell would I spend money there ! Sad thing is all these wolves are killed because they have done nothing they raise their families try to provide for them isn’t that what we do ! But the government decided we should kill them along with mustangs and soon Grizzlies of course that’s because rich people want the big males to hang on walls sad thing is animals do not matter only to some of us !
I think it is horrid that someone can maim a wild animal with an snowmobile and then bring it into an establishment serving food and liquor. The poor animal was obviously suffering while it laid on the floor of said establishment. The entire incident is DISGUSTING. Human kind kills it’s own constantly but should not torture wild animals. And to the friend who said ” it was one night of shenanigans” 🤦🤦….that generally implies staying out too late and eating too much and drinking too much 🤦.
I just hope this is a catalyst for change in animal protection laws. Hunt if you must but do so ethically. If you are too out of shape to hunt ethically then get into shape.
Humans are one of the few species that kills for sport.
Rest in peace poor yearling wolf.
Disgusting. From a Hunter. Roberts is not a Hunter. He is a torturer
The fact the bartender thought to herself? can’t close the bar down bc they are all family and friends” get a life. I cant even believe people are this spineless to do the right thing. Right is right, Wrong is Wrong and what happened here was way more than crossing a line
How can Sublette County locals be shocked and outraged by threats of violence? This state condones and celebrates running down animals with snow machines, shooting them from the air for fun (calling it “management”) , and trapping them in snares (which more than occasionally kill people’s dogs). The only thing that makes Cody Roberts an outlier is that he and his family made a public spectacle of it.
Social media notwithstanding, he’s just doing what people do here in private ALL THE TIME. Why else would there be a law that protects their identities? If it’s not wrong and immoral, then why do people need to hide? It should go without saying that looking the other way does not absolve you from anything here.
When senseless violence is part of our local, state, national, and global identity (as is so clearly the case), we can’t pretend to be outraged when it comes back to bite us. People like Cody Roberts shouldn’t have free reign to enforce wildlife management policies. Period. It would almost be amusing if it wasn’t so painfully sad.
very true. Its absolutely sickening and horrific….but its not that different from what happens in that state every day. He just made sure he presented himself as more of a buffoon than his peers…..that poor animal…I pray he was so injured he was not conscious…..
I’ve never seen this kind of depravity in my sixty plus years of living in Wyoming. Which Wyoming do you live in? Please folks, stop lumping us all together!
I’m from Georgia, but it sounds like you’re near this area. What can people who love wolves like I do, do to stop this crazy killing.
Disgusting, absolutely disgusting. Roberts probably is “literally low-IQ” as the witness said, but that does not begin to describe the deficiencies of his character. And owns a trucking company does he? Boycott that business.
Shame on everyone there. Get a backbone. The entire world knows what happened.
This bar should be closed down
Cody Roberts isn’t a rancher. Cody Robert’s life is an impacted by wolves. Cody Roberts has fed into the propaganda spread by the hyper right-wing. He has no reason to dislike wolves. He chose to be cruel to an innocent animal for no reason other than the attention of his horrible friends and acquaintances that feed into the same propaganda. Wolves are native to the Rocky mountains and no matter what. Cody Roberts, Green River, Wyoming or anybody else wants wolves are here to stay. We are not going to exterminate animals for the benefit of just a few people any longer. Cody Roberts may not get the punishment he deserves but it does place a spotlight on this outdated, backwards, destructive an absolute cruel mindset.
I am right wing and many of my friends are really upset.
I am a conservative Maga supporter and I am appalled by the
political jabs made by several commenters. This should not be
a right or left issue. It is an issue about sick people living in a
state whose politicians cater to cattlemen, outfitters and
unethical hunters who have no respect for wildlife. Their game boards consist of people like Cody who do favors in order to get elected in state positions. Donations by special interests help to continue the cycle of corrupt officials that are out for political gain. This has nothing to do with far right ideology, Wyoming has a state government that hates wolves for no other reason other than that hatred has been handed down for generations by ignorant people who find joy in animal suffering. It is a
very sick mentality of which I understand does not consist of
all Wyoming residents. God help your wolves ….
I’m curious. What is the difference between a conservative MAGA and a conservative Republican?
Actually, this makes no sense to me, if it was threatening you, that’s one thing, but to chase it down until you wore it down. Only to torture it, laugh, and brag, I’ve never known hunters like this, this is no hunted I know , what makes a person want to do something, so vile to another living creature.
The wolf was not endangering livestock or humans so why did Robert’s need to kill it? Just for the sake of killing it? But letting the animal linger while it was gravely injured while showing it off is just too much. He is a coward and not representative of the good people of Wyoming.
Last fall some hunters enticed a couple of wolves from Colorado border into Wyoming just to shoot them
I know hunters exactly like him. They kill for the thrill only. They kill for a trophy. They enjoy killing for a sport. Hunters claim they make a clean kill, LIARS. If you get shot with a bow & arrow, so much pain & suffering before death. Same as gun. Sick people kill innocent souls that deserve a life. I see hunters are trying to make themselves look better then Cody Roberts. They are just trying to justify what they do.
Curious to learn more
He’s not a man or a hunter we respect life Cody is just a coward, real men don’t need to show off this way, Cody is just a looser and should be behind bars?