Story perspectives

Wyoming Hunter Receives Probation for Killing Protected Wolf

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Wyoming hunter Cody Roberts received 18 months probation and a $1,000 fine for running over a gray wolf with a snowmobile, restraining it, and killing it.
The February 2024 incident drew outrage and calls for stricter animal cruelty laws.
Judge Richard Lavery described the offense as disturbing.
Prosecutor Clayton Melinkovich noted public dissatisfaction with the sentence.
The case highlighted Wyoming's lenient wolf-killing laws as photos and videos circulated, intensifying controversy.

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Story summary

Wyoming hunter Cody Roberts received 18 months probation and a $1,000 fine for running over a gray wolf with a snowmobile, restraining it, and killing it.
The February 2024 incident drew outrage and calls for stricter animal cruelty laws.
Judge Richard Lavery described the offense as disturbing.
Prosecutor Clayton Melinkovich noted public dissatisfaction with the sentence.
The case highlighted Wyoming's lenient wolf-killing laws as photos and videos circulated, intensifying controversy.