The American social media influencer who triggered widespread condemnation in Australia for improperly handling a baby wombat is now confronting serious legal challenges in her home country. Samantha Strable, known online as Sam Jones, has been charged with multiple hunting violations in Wyoming, adding a new chapter to her controversial international incident.
From Wombat Scandal to Hunting Charges
Samantha Strable, 25, was booked into Sublette County Jail in Wyoming on November 21 following an investigation into her hunting activities. According to local media reports, the influencer faces eight misdemeanour charges that include six counts of making false statements, taking wildlife without a licence, and non-resident hunting without a guide in wilderness areas.
The case against Strable began when authorities received an anonymous tip on August 11 alleging she had been purchasing resident hunting tags despite not living in Wyoming for more than two years. Investigators claim Strable allegedly misrepresented her residency status to obtain local hunting licences, even though she had been away from the state long enough to lose her resident hunter status.
Australian Backlash and Political Condemnation
Strable first drew international attention in March when she posted a video showing herself taking a baby wombat from its mother for a photo opportunity. The footage showed the influencer running down a remote road holding the distressed joey while a man laughed off-camera, noting the mother wombat was chasing after them.
In the controversial video, Strable held the visibly upset animal up to her camera, stating: "I caught a baby wombat. Mumma's right there, she is p****d, let's let him go." The marsupial was eventually released back onto the road, but the damage to Strable's reputation was already done.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the footage as an "outrage", emphasizing that wombats are "gentle, lovely creatures" and condemning the distress caused to both mother and baby. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke expressed his eagerness to see Strable leave the country, later confirming her departure on March 14, though whether she was deported or left voluntarily remains unclear.
Legal Consequences and Public Response
Following the Wyoming charges, Strable was released the same day on her own recognisance but faces potentially severe penalties if convicted. The charges could result in up to one year in jail and more than $10,000 in fines for the various hunting violations.
The Australian public had previously responded to the wombat incident with outrage, flooding Strable's social media accounts with criticism and calls for her to be banned from re-entering the country. A Change.org petition gathered significant support, reflecting the strong public sentiment toward protecting native wildlife.
Minister Burke's statement at the time of Strable's departure captured the national mood: "There's never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia." The case highlights ongoing tensions between social media content creation and responsible behavior toward wildlife, particularly in a country known for its unique and protected species.
