Wyoming
Gov. Gordon Joins ‘Outrage’ Over Torment Of Wyoming Wolf
Gov. Mark Gordon and Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik are publicly condemning the alleged torment of a wolf in Sublette County, while wildlife advocate and animal rights groups continue to call for stronger responses and stiffer penalties.
The outrage and condemnation of the Feb. 29 incident peaked over the weekend when Cowboy State Daily obtained and published a photo of a Sublette County man posing with the wolf with its muzzled taped shut.
“Cruelty to any wildlife is absolutely unacceptable. This is not the way anyone should treat any animal,” Gordon said in a statement issued from his office Monday.
Nesvik called the alleged capture and torment of the wolf “disgusting” during a telephone interview with Cowboy State Daily early that morning.
Meanwhile, some animal rights activists continue to call for stiffer penalties against the man, who was fined $250 for illegal possession of a live wolf in connection with the incident in Daniel, Wyoming.
Wane Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, said Cody Roberts of Daniel, who was ticketed by wildlife officials that day and alleged to be the man shown posing in a photo with a wolf that had its muzzle taped shut, should face felony charges.
“Cody Roberts needs to be arrested for animal cruelty,” Pacelle said in a statement released jointly Monday by his group and the Center for a Humane Economy.
According to accounts of the events Feb. 29, Roberts ran a wolf down with a snowmobile and disabled it, then taped its mouth shut before taking it to his residence, showing it off at a local bar and then finally taking it behind the bar and killing it.
‘I Find It Disgusting’
Nesvik said Monday that Game and Fish could not yet officially identify the person who was fined in connection with allegations of possession of a life wolf.
But he said accounts of the incident had marred the reputation of years of sound and responsible wolf management by Game and Fish.
“It’s really casting a shadow over a really strong track record of wolf management in our state,” he said.
Once wolves were delisted from federal protection in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, management of wolves was handed over to those states’ game agencies. All three states have allowed wolf hunting.
And although shooting wolves is legal in much of Wyoming, Nesvik said prolonging an animal’s suffering goes directly against the hunting ethics that Game and Fish promotes.
“It’s disrespectful of wildlife and it’s disrespectful of the law, and I find it disgusting,” he said.
Gordon also stated that the alleged torment of the wolf violated Wyoming’s ethical hunting tradition and isn’t representative of the state’s people.
“I am outraged by this incident, just like thousands of Wyoming ranchers, farmers, sportsmen and sportswomen, and others around the state,” he said. “I would be disappointed if anyone were to paint Wyoming with a broad brush and suggest that Wyoming citizens condone the reckless, thoughtless and heinous actions of one individual.”
‘Everybody’s Watching Wyoming’
Officials speaking out about the incident is a step in the right direction, Wyoming Wildlife Advocates (WWA) Executive Director Kristin Combs told Cowboy State Daily on Monday.
However, more needs to be done, and pressure needs to be put on the Wyoming Legislature to change the state’s animal cruelty laws, she said.
WWA, Wyoming Untrapped, Wolves of the Rockies and the Large Carnivore Fund on Monday issued a joint call to action, asking their members and others to call or email Game and Fish to pressure the agency to release an official statement condemning the incident.
“I think there needs to be an actual, official statement from the Game and Fish Department that this was cruelty and this was torture,” Combs said.
Game and Fish could also use its influence with the Legislature to have animal cruelty and wildlife harassment protections extended to wolves throughout the state, she added.
The state’s good name hinges upon such action, Combs said.
“Everybody’s watching Wyoming and seeing what’s going to happen,” she said.
‘I Love And Support You Cody’
Amid all the angry condemnation from across the nation and beyond, Roberts isn’t without support.
His aunt, Jeanne Ivie-Roberts of Jackson, posted a photo of herself Friday on her Facebook page holding a wolf pelt with her mouth taped shut.
The image seems to mock the outrage and reaction of the wolf incident.
In another post she linked a Cowboy State Daily story headlined Wyoming Animal Cruelty Laws Don’t Apply To Alleged Wolf Torment Case and her reaction: “Woohoo” with heart emojis.
In another post, she simply states, “I love and support you Cody.”
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As the Aug. 18 primary election approaches, Cap City News is introducing candidate questionnaires to help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Every candidate in the primary field was sent the same three questions and given a limit of 500 words, which could be distributed among their answers as they saw fit. To ensure a fair and direct line to the community, all responses are published exactly as submitted, without edits or alterations.
Candidates were asked:
- What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
- If elected, how will you address these challenges?
- What qualities or qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
Questionnaires are being published on a rolling basis online through Aug. 11. They will be accessible via the Cap City News Election Tracker.
Jessica Crowder (R), Wyoming House District 43
What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
Wyoming is built on hard work, strong communities, and the responsible use of our natural resources. The families in House District 43 and Wyoming face real challenges — from the need for a more resilient, diverse economy to the increasing outmigration of young people. Wyoming families also face rising costs of healthcare, housing and more. House District 43 deserves a representative that puts people first and works to strengthen the place we call home through steady and thoughtful leadership.
If elected, how will you address these challenges?
As a legislator, I will use my experience working with landowners, businesses, and local governments to support the industries that define Wyoming while encouraging thoughtful growth and diversification. Our future depends on good jobs, strong schools, and communities where families can put down roots and thrive. We can honor the values that make Wyoming what it is while building something that lasts—an economy that works for working people, an education system that prepares the next generation, and communities that remain resilient and connected.
The rising cost of healthcare and the difficulty of accessing services are real challenges for Wyoming families. We need reforms that reduce costs, expand access—including to mental health resources—and meet people where they are. The 2026 Health Insurance Affordability Task Force is working to address rising costs, and I will work with this group and others to develop effective solutions that deliver the quality care our communities deserve.
Tax and housing reforms must be reviewed for possible refinement so people can afford to buy homes, stay in their homes, and build equity and pride of place. At the same time, every Wyoming county depends on a different mix of revenue, and we all rely on stable, predictable local funding for essential services. I will participate in honest, informed conversations about how to provide relief to those who need it most without jeopardizing essential services.
Wyoming’s economy depends on our core industries and new businesses that invest here. Both need clear, consistent processes and regulations so they have confidence in choosing Wyoming. Economic growth also relies on strong infrastructure and a skilled workforce. When these pieces work together—predictable regulations, reliable infrastructure, workforce readiness, and responsible budgeting—they create a stable environment that encourages growth, provides good jobs, and protects taxpayers.
What qualities/qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
I believe we maintain and create opportunity by respecting the people who live here and the land that sustains us. I grew up on a ranch and now raise my family in Laramie County, where we run a ranch and small business, so I understand the challenges facing families, landowners, and employers. With over 20 years of experience in agriculture, land management, and public policy, I’ve supported working lands, defended local interests, and strengthened communities. The values that guide this work—practical problem solving, respect for local knowledge, and a commitment to community—have broad application beyond land management and would serve me well in the legislature.
Related
TETON COUNTY, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health recently confirmed two additional cases of measles in Teton County, bringing the statewide total to six cases, with five cases having occurred in Teton County.
A release from the WDH states that one recently-confirmed case is an adult with no identified links to the previous three Teton County cases, while the other case is also an adult, who had direct exposure to a previously identified case.
“This underscores the highly contagious nature of the measles virus,” the release states.
According to the release, the public may have been exposed to measles at the following locations and times:
Target Jackson Hole, 510 S Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
- July 5, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
- July 6, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
- July 7, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
Smith’s Food and Drug, 1425 South Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
- July 8, 2026, 9:00 AM through noon
“Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death,” the release states. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection.”
For more information on measles, including case counts, exposure locations, and guidance on what to do if exposed, visit the Wyoming Department of Health website.
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