Australian authorities are investigating an American influencer who filmed himself wrestling wild crocodiles in Queensland, condemning the “extremely dangerous and illegal” activity.
But the videos prompted outrage in Australia, where the maximum penalty for interfering with a saltwater crocodile is $24,800.
Government figures estimate there are between 20,000 and 30,000 saltwater crocodiles in Queensland in a vast area known as “Croc Country.”
“Due to their size and their territorial, opportunistic nature, saltwater crocodiles are considered an aggressive species,” the Queensland environment department says.
Between December 1985 and April 2024, there were 34 non-fatal attacks and 14 fatal attacks by wild saltwater crocodiles in Queensland.
Australian officials have condemned the “extremely dangerous and illegal” behavior and are looking into an American influencer who recorded himself wrestling wild crocodiles in Queensland.
Mike Holston, who goes by “therealtarzann” online, engages in combat with both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles in a number of videos posted to his Instagram.
He plunges into the water in one post and comes up with the crocodile by its throat, blood gushing from his elbow.
“He got a hold of me, but I got a hold of him,” Holston claims.
In another, Holston leaps from a boat into a rocky stream to chase after and wrestle a crocodile.
The videos, which have received millions of views, were created for “educational purposes,” according to Holston. “,”.
However, the videos caused a stir in Australia, where tampering with a saltwater crocodile carries a maximum penalty of $24,800.
It was announced on Wednesday that the Queensland state was “actively investigating” the two videos.
Its environment department declared, “We are actively exploring strong compliance action, including fines, to deter any person from this type of behavior, as these actions are extremely dangerous and illegal.”. “To be clear, unless someone is qualified and licensed to do so, they should not try to catch freshwater or saltwater crocodiles in Queensland. “..”.
Premier David Crisafulli of the state also referred to the influencer as a “goose.”. “.”.
Requests for comment were not answered by Holston.
“These posts could have terrible repercussions.”.
There are severe penalties for attempting to interfere with Australia’s renownedly diverse flora and fauna, which are highly protected.
Another U. S. In March, an influencer caused a stir when a video purportedly showed her harassing a baby wombat.
The late famous “crocodile hunter” Steve Irwin’s father, Bob Irwin, also warned this week that people should respect Australia’s wildlife or face deportation.
According to a statement he gave to Australian media, “Visitors to our country must respect our wildlife, or they will be ejected.”.
“These posts can have disastrous consequences for both people and wildlife,” Irwin stated.
The large region known as “Croc Country” in Queensland is home to between 20,000 and 30,000 saltwater crocodiles, according to government estimates. “,”.
Male freshwater crocodiles can weigh up to 132 pounds, while male saltwater crocodiles can reach lengths of 13 feet. Freshwater crocodiles can weigh over 600 pounds.
They are a vulnerable and protected species that has attacked people.
According to the Queensland Environment Department, “saltwater crocodiles are considered an aggressive species due to their size and their territorial, opportunistic nature.”. All creatures that these crocs can subdue once they grow to adult size are essentially fair game. A saltwater croc may choose to attack if a human encroaches on their boundaries. “.”.
There were 14 fatal attacks and 34 non-fatal attacks by wild saltwater crocodiles in Queensland between December 1985 and April 2024.
