Samantha Jones is a well-known American influencer who is currently facing backlash for her controversial wildlife actions involving a wombat in Australia, find out more below as Sam’s video goes viral
Samantha recently sparked outrage after posting a video of herself separating a joey wombat from its mother for content.
Who is Sam Jones aka Samantha Strable as video of American Instagram influencer snatching wombat from mother in Australia goes viral
SCUMBAG OF THE DAY 🤬
Sam Jones is a US hunting influencer who has gone viral for posting a tiktok of her taking a baby wombat away from its mother in the middle of the night as a joke…for a bit of fun.
Please Sign The Petition at https://t.co/TJGIq2orzj via @UKChange. pic.twitter.com/aZNVd5gt5Q
— PROTECT ALL WILDLIFE (@Protect_Wldlife) March 12, 2025
The Immigration Minister of Australia says he is trying to deport American “influencer” Sam Jones after she took a terrified baby wombat from its mother.
“I can't wait for Australia to see the back of this individual, I don't expect she will return.”
Throw her in jail first. pic.twitter.com/dWK3hu4z4o
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) March 13, 2025
Unsurprisingly, the incident has raised serious concerns among animal rights activists and criticism from netizens, prompting investigations.
Controversial video of Samantha Jones
Popular American influencer Samantha Jones recently caused public outrage after posting a video of herself and a joey wombat. In the video, viewers can see her near a wombat and its joey on a roadside at night, before Jones lifts the joey from its mother’s pouch. Viewers can also hear an Australian man, most probably her guide, laughing in the background.
Jones then smiles and approaches the camera, while holding the joey wombat and calling it her “dream moment.” While all this takes place, the mother wombat appears visibly distressed, and Jones eventually returns it to its mother. She claims at the time that they were “safely reunited.” The whole encounter proved very disturbing for netizens and activists who started a backlash against her.
As the video spread rapidly online, many netizens sparked heavy criticism worldwide, with many Australians and wildlife enthusiasts condemning her actions. The hashtag #DeportSamJones has since started trending with people demanding legal action. Some netizens commented:
Both of them should be fined, and she should be sent back to America immediately.”
Meanwhile, another netizen commented:
These influencers will do anything for views, no matter the harm they cause.”
The influencer who was widely criticised for grabbing a baby wombat and carrying it away from its mother has left Australia, Immigration Minister Tony Burke’s office has confirmed.
Sam Jones but also uses the name Samantha Strable, left Australia on Friday morning.
Criticism from activists and possible charges
Dr. Tania Bishop was among the many wildlife experts and animal rights activists criticizing Samantha Jones for her actions. Bishop belongs to the WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue, and Education Service) and shared her concern and warning, stating:
A joey of this age is completely dependent on its mother. Separation, handling, and stress could lead this infant to lifelong trauma or even abandonment, in the worst-case scenario.”
Moreover, Australian law also prohibits disturbing native wildlife without a permit, with violations often leading to heavy fines or even jail time. While officials have not given any confirmations about the next steps of action, groups like the RSPCA are still investigating. Jones could potentially face fines or receive a ban from entering Australia in the future if authorities find her guilty.
U.S. influencer Sam Jones faces deportation after she was filmed taking a baby wombat from its distressed mother.
Australia's Immigration Minister says he is working to deport the influencer for pulling off the stunt. pic.twitter.com/vfoCpgNsw0
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) March 13, 2025
Samantha Jones bio
Samantha aka Sam Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, is an American social media personality who is based in Montana. Jones is currently 32 years old and is renowned for her hunting skills and wildlife content. She frequently shares her outdoor adventures and activities with her followers on social media platforms.
Education
According to her Instagram bio, Samantha Jones holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in environmental science.
Profession
Samantha Jones works professionally as a wildlife biologist and environmental scientist. She is also a dedicated outdoor enthusiast and hunter.
Social media following
Jones uses Instagram under the handle @samstrays_somewhere, where she has over 91.7k followers and 489 posts.
Samantha Jones other wildlife controversies
Interestingly, Jones has been involved in all kinds of wildlife controversies over the past few years. During an interview, she claimed that she had killed a feral pig with a knife and hunted a red stag in Chile with a bow. Back in 2023, a news outlet reported about her plans to hunt a bear in Wyoming. While she has gained many admirers for her skills as a survivalist, many others believe that her actions cross ethical boundaries.