An American ex-influencer who faced the wrath of thousands of angry Australians after picking up a baby wombat has been convicted in the US for an unrelated stunt.
Samantha StrableThe 26-year-old was sentenced Thursday to 180 days behind bars, suspended, after pleading guilty hunting without a guide in wyominga western state in the US known for its black bear, elk and mountain lions.
After her plea in 2025, prosecutors dropped seven more charges, including taking an animal without a permit or during a closed season and multiple counts of fraud or false defamation related to her reporting of residence.
Strable appeared in Sublette County Circuit Court via video link Herald Sun reported.
Her attorney, Nate Jeppsen, said she did not “intentionally attempt to infringe.” Wyoming hunting laws,” but “should have been aware” of state hunting laws.
Strable was sentenced to 12 months’ probation and ordered to pay AU$800 in fines and court costs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took a personal swipe at Strable last March when she posted a clip on Instagram of her handling a baby wombat that she separated from its mother.
The baby wombat was seen screaming in distress as its mother chased her from the side of the road.
Samantha Strable (above) received a six-month suspended sentence for violating Wyoming hunting laws
Strable (above) pleaded guilty Thursday to hunting without a guide in Wyoming
Shocked Australians quickly slammed the Americanwho deleted her Instagram and quickly left the country.
“I would suggest to this so-called influencer – maybe she could try some other Australian animals – to take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there,” Albanese said at the time.
“Take another animal that can actually fight back, instead of stealing a baby wombat from its mother.” Then see how you are doing.’
Strable later claimed that she had tried to help the wombat.
