New U.S. Bill Aims To Prevent Hunters From Using Snowmobiles To Recklessly Run Down & Kill Wildlife

Congresswoman Nancy Mace has taken a significant step to safeguard wildlife on federal lands by introducing the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act (SAW Act). This legislation aims to prevent the misuse of motor vehicles, specifically targeting the intentional harm of wildlife, particularly wolves and coyotes in protected areas.

In April, WAN reported on the horrific story of Cody Roberts in Wyoming, who ran over a female wolf with his snowmobile, captured her, taped her mouth shut, and displayed her at a bar, where he tormented the injured animal before shooting her. The shocking incident sparked widespread outrage among animal lovers worldwide.

The incident occurred at the Green River Bar in Sublette County, Wyoming, where it is legal to kill wolves. However, by prolonging the suffering of the wolf and allegedly subjecting the animal to torment, Roberts was breaching hunting ethics. Shockingly, he was fined a mere $250.

“Running wolves down with snowmobiles is a cruel and unacceptable form of wildlife torture and abuse,” said Leslie Williams and Samantha Attwood, founding members of The #RelistWolves Campaign. “Wyoming’s Treatment of Predators Working Group – created specifically to address this issue – has been too timid and, frankly, ineffective in their response. We applaud these lawmakers for stepping in to introduce the SAW Act amid the working group’s inaction. We need to ensure that what Cody Roberts did in Wyoming cannot legally happen on federal lands.”

The SAW Act contains several key provisions designed to address these issues. It explicitly prohibits the intentional use of motor vehicles to chase, run over, or kill wild animals on federal lands. To ensure compliance, the bill empowers the Secretary of the Interior to lead investigations into any violations, collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to uphold protections.

Penalties for those found in violation of the act face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. This strong deterrent underscores the seriousness of the legislation and its commitment to maintaining the integrity and protection of wildlife.

The SAW Act also includes provisions to protect individuals who may act out of necessity to avoid serious injury or death. This balance ensures that while wildlife is protected, individuals are not unduly penalized for actions taken in emergency situations.

As the bill progresses, Mace continues to rally support for this crucial initiative, advocating for a future where wildlife can thrive free from the threats posed by reckless motor vehicle use. The Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act stands as a testament to the commitment to environmental conservation and the responsible use of America’s natural resources.

“It’s sad that a law like this even needs to be introduced – killing wolves by any method, but especially by chasing them down with motorized vehicles, should not be the norm. We live in a country of increasingly compassionate and ethically minded people; perhaps compassionate and ethical laws are the path forward until the rest of the nation catches up,” Regan Downey, Director of Education for the Wolf Conservation Center, told WAN.

Supporting the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act is crucial for protecting wildlife and ensuring that no other animal endures the same fate as the young wolf heartlessly killed by Cody Roberts. By advocating for this act, we can help create safer environments for animals and uphold the integrity of our natural ecosystems.

If you would like to help protect wolves, please take action HERE!