A Wyoming hunter named Cody Roberts sparked outrage after he captured a wolf, taped its mouth shut, and paraded it in a bar before killing it. The incident occurred on February 29 and Roberts has since been cited for a wildlife violation over the act. A shocking photo shows the wolf with red tape wound tightly around its mouth as Roberts poses with the animal in his home. Roberts allegedly disabled the wolf by running over it with a snowmobile, but instead of killing it, he took the animal to his home and then to the bar before finally killing it.
The news of Roberts’ actions has shocked many wildlife advocates, including Rob Wallace, a former Trump administration official who oversaw the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. Wallace described the incident as awful and a sad and disgusting outlier in terms of wildlife stewardship in Wyoming. A Wyoming Game and Fish spokeswoman stated that an anonymous tip was received on March 1 regarding the incident. The individual had come across the wolf in a predator zone while hunting, intended to harvest it, but instead transported it back alive to his residence and later to a business in Daniel, WY.
The individual went on to euthanize the wolf later that day and was subsequently cited for violating Chapter 10, Importation and Possession of Live Warm-Blooded Wildlife. Roberts was fined $250 for the violation, the only penalty that Game and Fish had the power to enforce in this situation. It was noted that the callous mistreatment of the wolf was not illegal under state law, as cruelty to animals charges only apply to pets and domestic animals, not predators like wolves. The incident has drawn condemnation from various groups and individuals who view the treatment of the wolf as cruel and inhumane.
In response to the incident, many groups and individuals have called for stricter wildlife protection laws to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Efforts have been made to raise awareness about the importance of respecting wildlife and promoting ethical hunting practices. Calls have also been made for increased enforcement of existing laws and penalties for those who engage in acts of animal cruelty. The incident has highlighted the need for continued education and advocacy to protect wildlife and ensure their welfare is prioritized in all interactions with humans.
The lack of legal consequences for the mistreatment of the wolf has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current wildlife protection laws in Wyoming. Many have called for legislative changes to address gaps in the law that allow for such cruel acts to go unpunished. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of wildlife and the need for stronger protections to prevent animals from being subjected to unnecessary harm. Advocates are working to hold individuals like Roberts accountable for their actions and ensure that wildlife are treated with respect and dignity in all circumstances.
Overall, the incident involving Cody Roberts and the mistreatment of the wolf has served as a wake-up call for many individuals and groups in Wyoming and beyond. It has highlighted the need for stronger wildlife protection laws and stricter penalties for those who engage in acts of animal cruelty. By raising awareness and advocating for change, advocates hope to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and ensure that all wildlife are treated with compassion and respect. The incident has prompted calls for action and a renewed commitment to protecting wildlife and promoting ethical hunting practices.
