Wyoming wildlife officials on Thursday released their first public statement about a wolf that was illegally taken captive and then subjected to alleged abuses that have generated outrage around the world.
The statement from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department stretched for only six sentences and included no names, dates or locations. The brevity and ambiguity were explained by a statute that the state agency summarized.
“Per Wyo Stat. Ann. 23-1-304 (d)(vi) any information regarding wolves taken in Wyoming is not a public record,” Game and Fish officials told the public in the brief statement.
That’s not what the 23-1-304 section of Game and Fish’s governing statute says, though. Arguably, it’s an oversimplification and misrepresentation of the law.
The statute specifically applies only to legally killed wolves.
“Information identifying any person legally taking a wolf within this state is solely for the use of the department or appropriate law enforcement offices and is not a public record…,” the statute reads.
Cody Roberts, a Daniel resident, violated the law when he took possession of a live wolf on Feb. 29 before killing it. Records from the Sublette County Circuit Court show that he paid a $250 fine for violating a chapter of Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations that govern the possession of live, warm-blooded wildlife.
In the past, the statute was rendered moot when wolf hunters broke the law. Records have been released, leading to detailed accounts about poaching — a problem that plagues Wyoming wolf management.
Game and Fish’s handling of Roberts’ situation so far suggests that the state believes the statute still comes into play if a wolf hunter engages in illegal activity in conjunction with later legally killing a wolf.
It’d be difficult to illegally kill a wolf in Wyoming’s predator zone, where Roberts did, because virtually anything goes. There are no seasons, license requirements or restrictions on how wolves can be killed. Even bludgeoning wolves by striking them with snowmobiles — which is allegedly how Roberts acquired the wolf — is totally legal, so long as the animals are killed or left wounded in the wild. Brutalizing wolves with snowmobiles and then taking possession of them while alive, however, is not legal.
Bruce Moats, a retired Wyoming attorney who specializes in government records, said that it appears Game and Fish is construing the statute “very, very broadly in favor of keeping information from the public.”
“And really the purpose of this — protecting the person — can’t be accomplished here anyway,” Moats said. “The whole premise of this is supposedly privacy, right? Saving people from being heckled, things like that. And you do this in a public bar. To me, it isn’t a legal thing, but this guy wasn’t looking out to hide.”
The law protecting the identity of legal wolf hunters traces to 2012, the year Wyoming gained jurisdiction over the species. A broader bill about wolves passed by the Wyoming Legislature in that year’s session included the provision. The language was added in the aftermath of an Idaho wolf hunter’s identity being posted online, which led to harassment.
Game and Fish officials did not respond to interview requests for this story. A call to a member of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission who works as an attorney also went unreturned before this story was published.
Wyoming’s wolf statute has attracted publicity before. Game and Fish cited the statute last year as cause for ceasing communications with the state of Colorado when wolves crossed the state line and were killed in Wyoming. In that instance, state officials argued that merely confirming a wolf killing in a Wyoming county — or even the southern half of the state — violated the statute because that information could somehow identify the person who pulled the trigger.
CODY ROBERTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT TO JAIL FOR THE TORTURE OF AN ANIMAL
I do not understand why the treatment of animals differ from state to state?
torching any animal in a public bar room with kids, guns ,taking videos of the twisted behavior and only a 250 fine is his punishment he will do this again and again, this incident with this wolf should be punishable to the fullest extent of the law to make sure it doesn’t ever happen again.Wyoming by allowing this is certainly going to lose money on tourism, they boast how great the wildlife is in that state, I personally wouldn’t go to Wyoming to watch them torture and kill animals that’s a hard No.
forgot to add: what is wrong w/ residents in Wy., Idaho & Montana – they have beautiful state & they kill everything in sight except cows AND they are outrageously cruel in what they do – what is wrong?
Is there a petition somewhere? to do something about this animal killer it is a nightmare to look ?@that poor animal in obvious pain & scared to death! while this guy guzzles a can of beer – it makes me sick there are several people who want to sign a petition to someone to do something, although if anything like that horse incident a few years back when the guy tied all legs & threw to ground I don”t hold out much hope
Tell me how, in this day and age, we allow wolves to be bludgeoned to death? How do we allow a wolf to be injured and left to suffer? Wyoming needs to change it’s barbaric laws and treatment of a necessary apex predator. Disgusting.
There’s no felony animal abuse in Wyoming?
No. Welcome to, in some cases, Neanderthal land.
I definitely will not be planning any vacation’s in Wyoming.. He has given a bad name to legitimate hunters.. This was plain and simple intentional animal abuse.. I would hope the governor would investigate Game and Fish..
I will never visit Wyoming, or Green River Bar- which I pray goes out of business after this heinous incident – and I pray Cody’s business runs into the ground too. No one who stood by and did nothing should reap rewards. Shame on all involved – from those who witnessed it and saw nothing wrong to those remained silent. What kind of society have we become?
Laws need to change. Money talks. Fine people like Cody Roberts until they are beyond bankruptcy, and you will see a change. The governments have nothing to lose by imposing and enforcing stricter laws.
After reading about this person and what he did to that young wolf, I had a very hard time sleeping that night imagining what that creature went through at the hands of such a depraved individual. Just as troubling is the mindset of this person and why he found the need to run down , incapacitate, transport and parade it through a public area before killing it. I love the western US but I have taken Wyoming off my list of favorite places because of their lack of adequate action in this insidious matter.
Are we to believe that this is the first heinous act committed by this individual? Nope. Are we to believe that it will be the last? Nope. In addition to that, he knew he would be among like-minded individuals when he took the frightened and injured wolf to that bar. For shame! I hope Wyoming tourism takes a dive this summer. Pffftt.
I don’t advocate that brutality, fish and game are sweeping it under the rug. Deal with it. Oh yeah I forgot they’re like the Trump boys whom Wyoming loves. Step up Wyoming.
Tourism is our number one employer here in Wyoming, we all benefit from it. If you are pro wolf or not, what Cody Roberts did is an embarrassment to all Wyomingites. We should all condemn his actions!
In addition to the outrage from ethical hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who won’t purposefully make an animal suffer, there’s another life lesson here. Most everyone in the world has a cell phone with a camera, access to the world wide web and a Judas or two who will use photos OF you AGAINST you. We all know posts on the internet are global, eternal and searchable. WY Game & Fish regs won’t protect you from photos you share or what others take of you and sell to “news” rags.
2024 Wyoming vacation plans CANCELED. Can’t go into that state without thinking about that wolf. That man needs to go to prison.
The torture or harassment of any animal should be a crime. Let your legislator know that this is an important issue for Wyoming voters.
It was enlightening to read the posted statements here.
This is not a debate about whether the wolf should be here or not: it is rather about how humans that supposedly have a thinking,
compassionate mind treat the other critters that reside alongside us.
As Rod Miller pointed out in his comments in Cowboy State Daily, humans kill animals for various reasons. Before the vet was handy ranchers had to humainly put animals down. And many kill animals for sustenance.
And yes some kill for sport and trophies.
But, bottom line there is a code among caring humans. Torture is only done by the depraved.
I haven’t seen any reporting that Cody Roberts has expressed any remorse or apologies for his despicable, extremely horrific act of cruelty.
But people who bring this kind of cruelty and suffering on another living creature are most likely sociopathic, are often criminal, and lack sense of moral responsibility or social conscience. They are incapable of feelings of remorse. I take comfort in knowing that Cody Roberts will forever be vilified for his heinous act of cruelty against a defenseless animal.
Disgusting – the very definition cruel and unusual treatment. This leaves an ugly smear on the good people of Wyoming who respect wildlife as well as members of the human race
Animal cruelty humiliation of the wolf. Mouth taped is like tying its hands then beating it to death.
Disgusting behavior from a small minded individual that claims to be a Wyoming resident. Hope you go to jail, Cody Roberts.
Wolves have as much right to roam the lands as you and I. There will be those that disagree. And those people are the ones that believe everything on this planet are possessions of humans. That’s not the case. All animals should have a right to exist and survive with some idiot running it down with a snow mobile.
OK I have been following this story and can’t believe the pitiful punishment. If the law doesn’t step up, there is something wrong with the system. I would entertain starting a citizen group to pursue action. John Pallesen
thanks for bringing to light some of the ways Wyoming continues to abuse wildlife, especially predators, and trying to keep it secret. Wildlife belongs to everyone and most people do not want wildlife to be managed by a few for a few. wildlife should never be tortured. wildlife should not be harmed without good reason. hatred, revenge, trophy, or fun are not good reasons for killing wildlife.
Sounds like a federal crime to me
This whole story is disgusting and shows what an inhumane and cruel person can get away with in the wonderful USA. 🇺🇸
The predatory behaviours of an apex species is dangerous in every incarnation. Why we would choose to condemn and eradicate it in its canine form and condone (and to some level even “celebrate”) our contemporary form of hominid predation shows how far down on the evolutionary pyramid we really truly are. Humans may have been granted dominion from on high, but our collective inability as a ” keystone species” to leverage our intellectual gifts with an equally requisite measure of compassion has upset the natural balance. We no longer ” need to kill ” any living thing in order to survive. We “choose to kill”….. For sport….. For vengeance…..For nothing….. We kill because—- We can. We torture because—-we are horribly broken and tortured beasts….and neither is acceptable.
Beautifully written and well said Martha Braymance.
Why torture any animal? That’s not only inhumane, but sick!
So sad Wolves deserve better treatment
and protections. I feel it’s good that this
problem is being exposed‼️
It sensus like the same Wyoming I left 52 years ago.
A wealthy rancher named Herman Werner hired helocopters to shoot eagle. They killed hundreds. He was fined $500.
The mentality seems to be “if not a sleep or cow….kill it”
“And so, with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings”
I see little to no difference between this and running wild horses to death or injuring them to the point of death. I do not believe in torturing any animal, it is simply wrong!
Yes, we should just shoot wild horses.
Why?
Part of what makes Wyoming unique and amazing is the presence of the large carnivores on the landscape. As a hunter, I love having them here, enjoy NOT being the most dangerous thing in the woods and will advocate to keep them on the landscape. I hunt wolves with respect and ethics but I will never abuse or torture them like the Cody Roberts of the world or these guys who can’t grow out of the “kill all predators” mindset. It’s wrong! The hunting community won’t stand for it or back you up any more than the general public, you are on your own.
I am stunned that there are actually pro-animal torture people chiming in here. You should be ashamed and embarrassed.
I like the wolves. I think there is a tremendous misunderstanding on behalf of the greater Public in their overall relationship with the current ecosystem. I understand that the Canadian Timber Wolf is certainly not the original Grey Wolf that once inhabited this region, but the science is impeccable on the improvement towards the Great Yellowstone region. I do not know whom the greater ‘predator’ is, the creature or the man who tortured and killed it despite no threat to his general survival….with all due respect.
I agree with your point.
But “Canadian Timber Wolf is certainly not the original Grey Wolf that once inhabited this region”- also a common misconception. Just thought you might want to know 🙂
Please, enlighten me. I do not understand your point. Are you suggesting that the Timber Wolf was native to the area prior to its introduction? I am open to input from another source.
These wolves reintroduced to the Rockies were Canus lupus irremotus – the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf, NOT Canis lupus lycaon – the Timber Wolf.
According to the Spokesman, the name Canis lupus irremotus is outdated and no longer considered scientifically valid. It is now considered part of the subspecies Canis lupus nubilus, which includes wolves that were previously present in the U.S. Great Plains and most of the western U.S. and are currently still present in northeastern Canada.
Scientists are divided over whether the eastern wolf, Canis lycaon, is a separate species or another gray wolf subspecies (Canis lupus lycaon). The eastern wolf is found in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan and is virtually indistinguishable from gray wolf subspecies in the area by physical, behavioral, and ecological traits.
I’ve read post after post from folks that have no idea what they’re talking about. I will never condone abuse of any animal or person, but comparing this to the very real cruelty that wolves repeatedly perpetrate on the natural world is ludicrous. A quick such will show wolves pulling fetuses from live doe deer and eating only the internal organs then leaving the mutilated carcasses beside the dying doe. Wolves have been documented intentionally keeping prey animals alive for days, while feeding on them day after day. A lapse of judgement, no doubt. The real travesty was installing an invasive species into an ecosystem where they do not belong.
The only invasive species is white people in this country try
The human animal is the worst invasive species on earth. We have no compassion or care for our fellow earthlings we share this planet with. All living creatures here are inhabitants of earth and deserve consideration and respect as they have as much right to survival as we do. To torture another living creature on earth comes with a sick perversion and twisted mind, these people who will torture and kill an animal, will also torture and kill human children and adults, the authorities in Wyoming can look away and try to hide this sickness, I assure you, they will deal with this cruel human animal Cody Roberts criminal behavior again, as they probably have before.
100%
I would like to fact check your comment “Wolves have been documented intentionally keeping prey alive for days, while feeding on them day after day.” Please provide your source for this statement.
There is no reason to believe this doesn’t happen. As cruel as depredation may seem, this is what predators evolved to do. What predators DO NOT do is run an animal down on a snowmobile, take it home and torture it simply because that animal is doing its best to survive.
I think you had better get your facts straight.
The wolf kills for food, it is not intentionally cruel, and it does not know any better. It is being a wolf. Mr. Roberts is clearly well-fed and should know a whole lot better. It’s disgusting.
It’s a wolf who cares. They shouldn’t be here anyway. Every wolf outside of Yellowstone should be shot on site.
Nah all of Wyoming is part of the wolves historic range, coyotes shouldn’t be here, end predator zones and manage predators like any other game animal.
The Canadian Timberwolve was not the same wolf that was originally killed off.
Yes, that is what I said in my original statement, thank you.
Mr Upton,
maybe if we hadn’t killed em all off, we wouldn’t have had to reintroduce em. Val Jones: Invasive species, really?? Anyone give any thought to how the ecosystem would look today if we hadn’t killed all the bison, wolves, beaver, etc….all those years ago. Whether people want to admit it or not, by definition; wolves, coyotes, fox, etc… are still wildlife, cause they sure as hell aren’t domestic.
White settlers shouldn’t have been here either, yet here we are.
By your logic, neither should cattle and sheep.
Why would you say such a thing? why would you say every wolf should be shot? what a barbaric and insane thing to say..why shouldn’t they be here? that is an incredibly ignorant, stupid thing to say..unbelievable, you need to get educated.
We can’t let the story about the wolf that Cody Roberts killed just fade away. We need all the facts and details. I think most American love animals and get more satisfaction watching them, photographing them and knowing they will be around for generations to come. America needs to know that in Wyoming animals can be run down with snowmobiles, trapped, shot and tortured even on public land that belongs to all of us. It is hard to believe that in 2024 torturing animals is allowed. Where did the people in the Fish and Game Department get their degrees? I don’t know of any colleges that endorse torture as a wildlife management tool. I doubt that even the trump Bible would defend animal torture.
The book of Genesis in the Trump Bible gives dominion over all animals. What does the dumbassocrat Bible say?
Does God approve the torture of his creation? Take your meds.
Wyo Game and Fish hates wolves and basic accountability, preferring secretive governance to protect a culture of abuse. What could possibly go wrong?