US influencer faces action in Australia after picking up baby wombat for viral reel

A wildlife video surfaced on social media has left the world furious. Also a lesson for travellers. The footage shows a famous US influencer Sam Jones, aka Samantha Strable, snatching away a baby wombat (joey) from a roadside from the mother. The video is captured by her fellow male traveller who can be heard laughing behind the camera at the distressed mother wombat that followed behind. The incident is clearly not funny and looks emotional. It has triggered fierce criticism in Australia, with wildlife experts warning that approaching, chasing or handling wild animals for photographs or videos or reels can cause serious issues.The incidentThe incident quickly became an immigration controversy. Australia’s then Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Jones’ visa conditions were reviewed after the video went viral. She left Australia voluntarily while the review was still underway.But beyond the social-media controversy, the episode also caught attention to one of Australia’s most unusual native animals; wombat.Why wombats are so specialWombats are among Australia’s most distinctive marsupials. The animal seen in the viral footage appeared to be a bare-nosed or common wombat (Vombatus ursinus). It is a species native to southeastern Australia. Despite their cuddly appearance, wombats are wild creatures. They have powerful bodies and strong digging abilities and spend much of their lives around underground burrows.Where to spot themAs per Australian Museum, bare-nosed wombats live in temperate, forested parts of southeastern Australia and can be spotted in:New South WalesVictoriaSouth AustraliaTasmaniaSeparating a joey from its mother is cruelty Wildlife experts said the separation itself could cause considerable distress to both the young wombat and its mother. Researchers writing about the incident noted that the encounter would have caused stress levels to rise sharply for both mother and the joey.Australian wildlife authorities are similarly emphatic that members of the public should not attempt to handle native animals unless specifically instructed by trained professionals.What it means for travellersThe message is loud and clear; if you encounter a wombat in the wild, watch it, don't grab it! Else you’ll be in trouble.Where can travellers spot wombats in Australia?One of the best places for a wombat encounter is Maria Island National Park in Tasmania. Tourism Australia highlights Maria Island as an exceptional place to see wombats, with its population so abundant that visitors may encounter them while walking around the island.Victoria is another famous place for wombat lovers. Wilsons Promontory National Park, Mount Buffalo National Park, Baw Baw National Park and the Yarra Ranges offer maximum chances.For tourists, the most memorable wildlife encounter may therefore be the one where nothing is touched at all. Touching, picking, snatching an animal just for an Insta reel or picture is not right and should be avoided.Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.