Australian authorities investigate influencer over croc wrestling
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In an Instagram video, Mr Mike Holston is seen jumping off a boat and into a bushy waterway in pursuit of a crocodile, which he then wrestles.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM THE REAL TARZANN/INSTAGRAM
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SYDNEY – Australian authorities are investigating an American influencer who filmed himself wrestling wild crocodiles in Queensland, condemning the activity as “extremely dangerous and illegal”.
In a series of videos on his Instagram, bare-chested Mike Holston – who goes by therealtarzann online – tussles with saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.
In one post, he dives into the water, emerging holding the crocodile by its throat with blood streaming from his elbow.
“He got a hold of me, but I got a hold of him,” Mr Holston says.
In another, he jumps off a boat and into a bushy waterway in pursuit of a crocodile, which he then wrestles.
Mr Holston has said the videos, which have amassed millions of views, were for “educational purposes”.
But the videos prompted outrage in Australia, where the maximum penalty for interfering with a saltwater crocodile is A$37,500 (S$32,000).
The state of Queensland said on Sept 10 that it was “actively investigating” the two videos.
“These actions are extremely dangerous and illegal, and we are actively exploring strong compliance action including fines to deter any person from this type of behaviour,” its environment department said.
“Let us be clear: People should not attempt to capture freshwater or saltwater crocodiles in Queensland, unless they are trained and licensed to do so.”
State Premier David Crisafulli also called the influencer a “goose”.
Mr Holston did not respond to requests for comment.
Australia’s famously diverse flora and fauna is highly protected, and attempts to interfere with them can face strict penalties.
Another US influencer sparked outrage in March after a video appeared to show her pestering a baby wombat
Mr Bob Irwin, the late celebrity “crocodile hunter” Steve Irwin’s father, said this week that people needed to respect Australia’s wildlife or be deported.
“These posts can have disastrous consequences for both people and wildlife,” he said.
Government figures estimate there are between 20,000 and 30,000 saltwater crocodiles in Queensland in a vast area known as “Croc Country”.
They are a protected and vulnerable species and are known to attack humans.
Between December 1985 and April 2024, there were 34 non-fatal attacks and 14 fatal attacks by wild saltwater crocodiles in Queensland. AFP
