PM Tells Wombat-Grabbing Influencer to 'Try a Crocodile Next Time' as She Apologizes and Exits Australia

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US influencer Sam Jones sparked international outrage after filming herself snatching a baby wombat from its mother on an Australian roadside.

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The viral video showed the joey squirming and screeching in Jones' arms as the mother wombat desperately chased after her.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese challenged Jones to "try a crocodile next time" instead of targeting a defenseless wombat.

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Jones claimed she made a "snap judgment" to help the wombat off the road, but wildlife experts quickly condemned her actions as illegal and harmful.

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What happens when someone interferes with protected Australian wildlife without permits?

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The Wombat Protection Society expressed shock at Jones' "mishandling" and worried the vulnerable joey might not have reunited with its mother.

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Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed officials were reviewing Jones' visa conditions before she left Australia for the United States on Friday.

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An online petition demanding Jones' deportation rapidly gathered over 40,000 signatures from concerned citizens

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Jones fired back at Australian officials, questioning why her actions caused such outrage in a country that "allows and permits the slaughter of wombats" with government permits.

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Wildlife experts warned that even brief human contact could cause severe harm to wild wombats and their young.

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