YouTuber Ross Creations has come under fire following his viral video featuring an ‘opossum launcher,’ which has provoked significant backlash and prompted an investigation by authorities. In the controversial Instagram post dated November 30, 2025, a wild American opossum was filmed being launched several meters into the air after stepping onto a catapult baited with food. While it appeared that the animal was unharmed, many viewers have condemned Ross for his apparent disregard for animal welfare, describing the stunt as cruel and unnecessary.
In response to the public outcry, numerous online petitions have been created urging action from local authorities for a violation of Florida’s animal cruelty laws. An investigation is currently underway involving the Florida State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), spurred by reports to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office related to the video shoot.
Kristin Rickman, the Emergency Response Team Director for PETA, heavily criticized the video, calling it “a horrifying and gratuitous use of cruelty against an animal who is simply trying to exist.” As per Florida Statute 828.12, animal cruelty encompasses acts of unnecessary torture, which could lead to serious legal consequences for Ross, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Although the video has since been removed from Ross’s page, it sparked a larger conversation about the ethics surrounding content creators and the implications of extreme prank videos. While some fans have defended Ross as a prankster, many argue that public figures should practice greater responsibility to protect animals from harm.
The FWC has encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline, signaling that the investigation’s outcome could potentially result in significant charges for Ross Creations. As discussions continue over the ethical treatment of animals in entertainment and social media, this incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that content creators hold in their actions.