'Hundreds of death threats': US hunter leaves Australia after wombat backlash
The Canberra TimesMAR 2025
US Influencer Exits Australia After Baby Wombat Controversy
Above: A wombat walks through its enclosure at the Wild Life Zoo in Sydney, Australia on May 19, 2022. Image credit: Carola Frentzen/Contributor/Picture Alliance via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Sam Jones deserves the backlash she's facing for her reckless behavior. Disturbing a vulnerable joey and its distressed mother was irresponsible and cruel. There's no excuse for causing such fear and potential harm to these precious animals. Wildlife deserves respect, not exploitation for social media attention.
Narrative B
Sam Jones is facing an unjust wave of public outrage, with media attacks and political condemnation far outweighing the gravity of her actions. While her conduct was questionable, targeting her so harshly feels hypocritical when the government itself authorizes widespread harm to native wildlife through sanctioned killings.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0