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Ross Creations Faces Backlash After Launching Opossum in Catapult Video

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. h-after-launching-opossum-in-catapult-video.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 14:07 GMT by Dexerto

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Ross Creations Under Fire for “Animal Catapult” Video That Launched an Opossum

In late June, the YouTube channel “Ross Creations” found itself at the center of a heated controversy after posting a short clip in which a homemade catapult launched a live opossum into the air and onto a nearby tree. The video, which has since garnered millions of views, sparked an intense backlash from viewers, animal‑rights activists, and even local law‑enforcement officials. The incident illustrates the fine line many online creators tread between “edgy” content and ethical responsibility, and the article in Dexerto provides a detailed look at the fallout.

The “Catapult” Incident in Context

Ross Creations, a Texas‑based YouTube personality known for pranks and stunts, has built a sizable following by pushing the limits of what he calls “incredible, jaw‑dropping moments.” The channel has a history of creating elaborate machines—sometimes to flip cars or launch objects with massive force—and the opossum clip follows that pattern. In the video, the creator assembles a lever‑based contraption out of lumber, a rubber‑band spring, and a small projectile holder. The target is a curious opossum that had strayed into a suburban yard. Ross activates the device, and the opossum is propelled approximately 10–15 feet high and lands on a sturdy branch of a nearby oak tree.

Ross himself describes the moment in the video caption as “a quick, fun stunt” and states that the animal is unharmed. He adds that the opossum was released back into the wild after the video was shot. The clip is shot from a single angle, showing the catapult arm snapping forward, the opossum airborne, and the branch with a wobbling animal at the top. The entire sequence lasts fewer than 30 seconds and is followed by a title screen that reads “#RossCreations.” No commentary is added over the footage, leaving viewers to interpret the situation.

Public Response: Outrage and Accusations of Cruelty

Immediately after the video was posted, social media erupted. Twitter threads, Facebook posts, and Reddit comments labeled the clip a blatant act of animal cruelty. Many viewers pointed out that launching a live animal, even if it lands on a branch, poses a serious risk of injury or death. A frequent criticism was that Ross is presenting a “dangerous stunt” that normal viewers might attempt, thereby encouraging potentially lethal behavior.

One of the first comment threads that received widespread attention was a tweet from a user named @TheWildLaws, who quoted the video and asked: “Is this legal? Are you harming an animal for entertainment?” The tweet was retweeted over 200,000 times and prompted a series of replies from animal‑rights advocates. A local animal shelter in the Texas city where Ross resides sent a public statement calling the stunt “unethical” and “disrespectful to wildlife.”

The backlash was amplified by a video on Dexerto that included the original clip, a commentary track from an animal‑behaviorist, and footage of the opossum’s release. The article also highlighted how the content creator responded to the criticisms. Ross posted a follow‑up video on his channel, titled “Ross Creations: Opossum Catapult – Response.” In the video, Ross repeats that no harm came to the animal and that he has always been “careful” with his stunts. He claims the clip was filmed with a professional wildlife photographer present to ensure the animal’s safety.

Legal and Policy Implications

The Dexerto article explores how YouTube’s own policies relate to the incident. The platform’s “Animals” policy states that “content that encourages or depicts cruelty or mistreatment toward animals is disallowed.” However, the policy also indicates that “harmless pranks or stunts that do not result in injury may be allowed, provided they comply with all relevant laws and guidelines.” This ambiguity led to a debate among the channel’s subscribers: some argued that Ross had crossed the line, while others pointed to the lack of visible injury and Ross’s claim that the animal was returned unharmed.

At the same time, local authorities were reportedly investigating whether the stunt violated Texas state wildlife protection statutes. A county deputy posted on a community forum that the incident might be considered a violation of the Texas Animal Protection Act, which prohibits “the cruel or unnecessary mistreatment of an animal.” Though the article does not provide a definitive legal ruling, it notes that a police officer reached out to Ross’s production team to clarify the nature of the catapult and to confirm that the opossum was indeed released safely.

The YouTuber’s Response and the Community’s Reaction

Ross’s response to the backlash was multi‑faceted. On his own channel, he posted a short apology video that read: “I understand the concerns, and I want to clarify that the opossum was not harmed. I’ve always taken steps to ensure the safety of animals and people.” He also encouraged viewers to reach out via email if they had any questions. The video, while calm, received a mixed reception: a handful of comments praised his transparency, while others called for a formal apology to the wildlife group.

On Twitter, Ross issued a brief statement: “I respect all animals. The catapult was a stunt, and the animal was safe. Sorry for any distress caused.” The tweet was followed by 3,500 replies, with many urging him to stop using live animals for entertainment.

The community’s reaction highlighted a broader trend on YouTube, where creators are increasingly being held accountable for content that could be considered harmful or exploitative. Some commenters noted that creators like Ross should have taken the time to research animal‑safety regulations before filming such stunts. Others argued that the content is purely entertainment and that no harm occurred, a stance that remains contested.

Aftermath: Content Takedown and Policy Review

Within days of the article’s publication, YouTube’s Community Team reviewed the opossum video. The video was removed under the “Violence and Physical Injury” category, citing a violation of the “Animals” policy. Ross’s channel received a temporary restriction on uploading new content for 24 hours and a formal warning. The platform also added a link to its updated policy on animal welfare in the video description.

Ross’s next upload—a short, silent clip of a wind‑tunnel experiment—was posted with a cautionary note that the new content would not feature animals. His subscriber count dipped slightly, though his overall engagement remained strong. Some of his fans expressed disappointment, but many also applauded his decision to comply with the platform’s policy.

Lessons Learned

The Dexerto article ends with an analysis of how online creators can navigate the fine line between creative stunts and responsible content. Key takeaways include:

1. Know the Law: Creators should familiarize themselves with local and state wildlife regulations before filming stunts involving animals.

2. Prioritize Animal Welfare: Even if no injury is visible, the risk of harm can be significant. Using trained animals or consulting wildlife professionals can mitigate risks.

3. Transparent Communication: If an animal is involved, providing clear details about safety measures and post‑stunt release can help quell concerns.

4. Platform Policies Matter: YouTube’s community guidelines have evolved to include stricter rules around animal welfare. Creators must stay updated to avoid takedowns or account restrictions.

5. Responding to Feedback: A sincere apology, coupled with concrete steps to avoid future incidents, can help rebuild trust.

Conclusion

The Ross Creations opossum catapult controversy serves as a cautionary tale for creators who push the boundaries of entertainment. While the channel’s core fan base may continue to support high‑energy stunts, the incident demonstrates the potential fallout when content crosses into questionable territory. The Dexerto article, by compiling the event’s details, public reactions, legal ramifications, and platform responses, provides a comprehensive overview that underscores the importance of ethical decision‑making in the age of viral video.