The Montana-based hunting influencer, Sam Jones (real name Samantha Strable), who was heavily condemned over her snatching a baby wombat from its distressed mother, has responded to the backlash in an Instagram post stating that she is not a “villain”.
“Am I a villain?” Jones wrote.
“Things, dear reader, are not as they seem.
“Over holding a wombat, thousands threaten my life.”
(It’s kinda giving a ‘we live in a society’ Joker-esque monologue IMHO.)
Jones was heavily criticised for grabbing the baby animal in a now-deleted video. (Source: Instagram/@samstrays_somewhere)
Jones goes on to criticise the Australian government, stating that it “allows and permits the slaughter of wombats”, claiming that outrage over her actions is hypocritical.
“For the readers that are so angered by my mistaken attempt to help and that I am a hunter – do not be blind to your country.
“Let’s start with wombats – the Australian government allows and permits the slaughter of wombats. Thousands each year are shot, poisoned to suffer, and trapped legally.
“Quietly, of course, so as not to face the wrath that has come upon me.”
Jones’ official statement on Instagram. (Source: Instagram/@samstrays_somewhere)
Jones also made a previous statement on her Instagram page, which further describes what happened when she made the decision to grab the baby wombat.
“When we first found the mother and joey on a road, not moving, I was extremely concerned” the previous statement begins.
“As wombats are so often hit on Australian roads, I stopped to ensure they got off the road safely and didn’t get hit. However, as is seen from the video, when I walked up to them, the joey did not move or run off.
“I was concerned it may have been sick or injured, and made a snap judgement to pick up the joey and see if this was the case. I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me.
“I have done a great deal of reflection on this situation and have realised that I did not handle this situation as best as I should have.
Jones ends the statement claiming that she has “learned” from the incident, and that it was not “staged” or done for “entertainment”.
Jones’ second statement. (Source: Instagram/@samstrays_somewhere)
Jones’ actions have been universally denounced by folks from all walks of life, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“To take a baby wombat from its mother, and clearly causing distress from the mother, is just an outrage,” Albanese told reporters.
“I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she should try some other Australian animals.
“Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there. Take another animal that can actually fight back from its mother – see how you go there.”
Jones left Australia earlier this week, and it’s probably unlikely that the hunting influencer will be returning back to our shores anytime soon.
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