Harassment by neighbors can take many forms, including yelling obscenities; loud and disruptive noises (especially at night) from parties, fights, or other activities; threatening or abusive behavior; or damage to your home or yard by pets.
If your neighbor’s behavior is merely annoying and not abusive, threatening, or criminal conduct, you may be able to resolve the issue with a courteous discussion. But if your neighbor’s conduct is threatening, abusive, violates a noise ordinance, or is a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, for example, you may be able to get assistance from the police (call 911 in an emergency) or from the civil courts in the form of a restraining order.
In Wyoming, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various state statutes and local ordinances. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, or damage to property, it may fall under Wyoming's statutes regarding breach of peace, stalking, or property damage. For loud and disruptive noises, local noise ordinances typically apply, especially for disturbances during nighttime hours. If the conduct is threatening or abusive, it could be considered stalking or harassment, which are criminal offenses under Wyoming law. Victims can contact law enforcement, and in emergencies, they should call 911. For ongoing issues that are not emergencies, victims may seek a civil restraining order, which requires going to court to prove that the neighbor's behavior is unlawful and that it has caused harm or distress. It's important to document incidents and, if possible, communicate concerns to the neighbor in a non-confrontational manner before escalating to legal action.