PINEDALE, Wyo. — On Wednesday, April 10, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office announced its official investigation into the incident involving Daniel resident Cody Roberts’ possession of a live wolf, after the department was inundated with over 7,000 calls and emails about the situation.
The incident took place on February 29, which involved Roberts running down the animal by a snowmobile, disabling it and taping its mouth shut, and then bringing the wolf into the Green River Bar in Daniel before shooting it behind the establishment, according to Wyoming Public Radio.
The Sheriff’s Office did not receive any complaints from the public until news of the incident went viral in early April. A new video of the wolf, showing the animal muzzled, shock-collared and lying on a public floor, was released on Wednesday, April 10 by State Officials.
The incident has elicited a passionate response from conservation groups and people from all over the world.
“While we understand the outrage, we would request that those wishing to express their concerns refrain from overwhelming our office and communications center,” the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office said via Facebook. “This allows us to attend to other local calls and emergencies.”
Wyoming Game and Fish was the agency that handled the initial investigation, since the incident involved wildlife. The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office is now actively working with the Sublette County Attorney’s Office and Wyoming Game and Fish to gather evidence and information relevant to the case.
“As this is an active investigation, we will not be able to release any details at this time,” Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Travis Bingham said in the announcement.
The Sheriff’s Office condemns people threatening violence in retribution. According to the Sheriff’s Office, threats have also impacted other men named Cody Roberts in Wyoming, people who have nothing to do with the case.
“We have become aware of a number of individuals who have resorted to threats of violence as their means of expressing frustration,” Bingham said. “Please understand that such actions endanger the lives and the peace of the residents of Sublette County, State and County employees, and innocent people outside Sublette County not at all involved in the situation. Threats of violence against Mr. Roberts or his family are also not appropriate. Additionally, expressions of violence and harassment can also result in hindering law enforcement investigations as potential witnesses choose not to come forward or cooperate for fear of retribution.”
Information regarding the incident can be shared on the tip line, 307-212-5108 or by email at sheriffinfo@sublettecountywy.gov.
