Australia Cracks Down on Dangerous Crocodile Stunts

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Australian authorities are investigating a series of controversial videos shared by U.S. influencer Mike Holston, known as The Real Tarzann, for recklessly capturing and handling wild crocodiles in Queensland.

The Queensland environment department condemned Holston's actions, stating, "These actions are extremely dangerous and illegal... We are exploring strong compliance actions, including hefty fines, to deter similar behavior."

Crocodile Showdown: A Social Media Sensation

Holston recently uploaded two adrenaline-pumping videos to his Instagram, boasting over 15 million followers. In one clip, he jumps into shallow water to wrestle a crocodile, proudly declaring, "This is what dreams are made of!" Blood can be seen on his arm as he grips the creature's neck.

This shocking footage, which has gone viral with over 33 million views, raises serious questions about wildlife safety and the ethics of social media stunts.

Experts Call Out the Recklessness

In his second video, Holston pursues a juvenile saltwater crocodile in marshland, capturing it with surprising ease. Queensland officials noted this behavior is "completely uncharacteristic" for such an animal, which typically resists fiercely.

Conservationists Demand Action

Critics, including conservationist Bob Irwin, son of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, have spoken out against Holston’s antics. Irwin stated that social media posts like these could have "disastrous consequences for both people and wildlife," urging stricter penalties for such recklessness.

"Visitors to our country need to respect our wildlife or they need to be booted out the door," he declared.

Understanding the Risks of Crocodile Interactions

Both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles in Australia can grow from six to 13 feet long, with male saltwater crocodiles weighing up to 660 pounds. The maximum penalty for interacting with a crocodile unlawfully can reach approximately 37,500 Australian dollars ($25,000). As the investigation unfolds, it raises a pivotal question: how far are influencers willing to go for attention?