Samantha Strable, a 26-year-old former American influencer, has been sentenced in Wyoming to 180 days in jail, suspended, after pleading guilty to hunting without a guide. The sentence, handed down on Thursday, comes after Strable faced widespread criticism in Australia for an incident in March where she was filmed separating a baby wombat from its mother.
Prosecutors dropped seven other charges against Strable in 2025, including accusations of taking an animal without a license, hunting during a closed season, and multiple counts of fraud related to her place of residence. She appeared in Sublette County Circuit Court via video link.
Strable's lawyer stated that she did not intentionally intend to break Wyoming's game laws but acknowledged she should have been aware of them. In addition to the suspended jail time, Strable was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay AU$800 in fines and court fees.
The wombat incident last March drew strong reactions, including a public statement from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He criticized Strable's actions, suggesting she might have better luck with a baby crocodile or an animal that could defend itself. Strable later claimed she was trying to help the wombat. The controversy led to Strable deleting her Instagram account and leaving Australia, infuriated by the backlash from thousands of Australians.
Wyoming is known for its black bear, elk, and mountain lion populations. Strable's conviction for hunting without a guide is an unrelated offense to the wombat controversy that garnered international attention.