Content Warning: This article contains distressing scenes of animal harassment and blood.
When most people dream of visiting Australia, wrestling a crocodile is hardly on the itinerary.
For one American influencer, that fantasy turned into a viral—and controversial—stunt that has sparked outrage across the nation.
The footage has left wildlife lovers both horrified and concerned about the message it sends.
Mike Holston, known online as 'The Real Tarzann', faced intense backlash after posting a video of himself wrestling a freshwater crocodile in Cape York, Queensland, on 4 September.
The 33-year-old jumped from a boat into shallow water and charged at the crocodile, which had been peacefully basking in the sun along the Lockhart River.
His cameraman captured every moment as Holston ran the frightened animal down, jumped on its back, and wrestled it to the shore.
Source: Instagram/therealtarzann
'He got a good piece of my arm, man. Look at that guy.'
Blood was visible from a gash on Holston’s arm, yet he appeared unbothered, laughing in the water.
The influencer declared: 'This is what dreams are made of. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to come to Australia and just look at crocodiles, catch them between my hands, and see them up close.'
Queensland authorities launch investigation
Queensland authorities confirmed an investigation was underway.
'It is a significant offence to interfere with freshwater crocodiles in Queensland, not to mention extremely dangerous,' a spokesperson said.
Offences can attract on-the-spot fines of $2,670 or court-imposed penalties of up to $27,539.
Queensland crocodile protection laws
Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, freshwater crocodiles are listed as a vulnerable species.
It's illegal to take, kill, or interfere with these protected animals without proper permits.
Penalties range from immediate $2,670 fines to court-imposed fines reaching $27,539.
Experts condemn the stunt
Northern Territory crocodile expert Tommy Hayes condemned Holston’s actions, saying they showed 'a complete lack of regard for Australian wildlife and the country as a whole.'
He added: 'Being a self-proclaimed animal lover, then chasing down a clearly very frightened animal is completely uncalled for and disrespectful, and clearly [done] for the [online] clout.'
Hayes called for influencers to face fines, visa cancellations, or strict conditions if allowed to return.
Part of a troubling trend
Holston’s stunt follows another incident in March when a US influencer removed a baby wombat from its mother, prompting public calls for visa cancellation.
Holston had previously spent time with crocodile wrangler Matt Wright, who was later found guilty of interfering in a 2022 helicopter crash investigation.
Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC) condemned Holston’s actions, reporting his post to the Queensland Government multiple times.
The organisation said promoting such behaviour on social media 'sets a dangerous precedent' and noted the penalties were minimal compared with the revenue these accounts generate.
Public reaction divided
Comments on the video showed some praising Holston, but many expressed disgust.
'Why do that to them though? I don’t get it. Leave them alone. It’s kind of sad you’re coming up into their safe space it’s not right,' one comment read.
'This is completely useless and dangerous for the crocodile. Freshwater crocodile suffers from stress and could die by stress,' another added.
[KEY TAKEAWAY]
Responsible wildlife viewing in Australia—Observe animals from a safe, respectful distance—Never chase, handle, or interfere with native wildlife—Report wildlife harassment to local authorities—Choose licensed tour operators for close encounters—Remember that social media likes aren’t worth animal suffering or legal consequences
Questions over influencer responsibility
PETA described Holston’s past content as 'a depraved attempt to boost his platform,' noting he regularly provoked animals and engaged in hazardous stunts.
The incident raises questions about the responsibility that comes with massive social media influence, particularly when it comes to wildlife and conservation messaging.
Authorities have not yet charged Holston, and he has not publicly addressed the backlash.
Queensland’s environment department confirmed the investigation was ongoing, signalling that consequences are likely.
The incident underscores that Australian wildlife protection laws apply to all visitors, regardless of online fame or follower count.
What This Means For You
Mike Holston, a US influencer, wrestled a freshwater crocodile in Queensland, sparking widespread public outrage.
His stunt violated the Nature Conservation Act 1992, which protects vulnerable crocodiles and carries fines of up to $27,539.
Experts and conservation groups condemned his actions as dangerous, disrespectful, and likely to encourage copycats.
This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with social media influence and the importance of respecting Australian wildlife.
For older Australians, many of whom grew up admiring the respectful approach of wildlife educators like Steve Irwin, this story underscores the need to value and protect our natural heritage rather than risk reckless stunts for online attention.
Influencer Real Tarzann’s crocodile-wrestling video under fire in Australia—NZ Herald — Reports that Mike Holston posted a video wrestling a freshwater crocodile in Cape York, Queensland, on 4 September.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/in...fire-in-australia/R5DUCFDG6ZAZTCIKKNFVAFNL5Y/
Crocodile-wrestling influencer roasted over ‘dangerous’ Australia selfie stunt: ‘Kind of sad’ — Details how the video quickly gained over 800,000 views and drew public outrage.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/crocodile-wrestling-influencer-roasted-over-223322446.html
Influencer Known as 'the Real Tarzann' Faces Backlash After Wrestling Crocodile in Bloody Video — Notes that blood was visible on Holston’s arm while he laughed and showcased the crocodile.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/influencer-known-real-tarzann-faces-171314182.html
Calls for 'disrespectful' US influencer to leave Australia after shocking crocodile stunt — Covers potential fines and legal consequences under Queensland wildlife laws.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/calls-for...after-shocking-crocodile-stunt-074647574.html
Wildlife Influencer Sparks Outrage After Crocodile Stunt — Highlights PETA’s criticism of Holston using animals as props for content and engaging in reckless stunts.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/wildlife-influencer-sparks-outrage-after-crocodile-stunt/
US Influencer Mike Holston Could Face A Hefty Fine For Handling Crocodiles In Qld — Reports that Holston had not yet been charged or responded to the backlash at the time of writing.
https://www.pedestrian.tv/online/us-influencer-mike-holston-handling-crocodiles/
Calls for 'disrespectful' influencer to be deported after horrifying crocodile stunt — Quotes experts calling for fines, visa cancellations, and strict conditions for influencers handling Australian wildlife.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/calls-disrespectful-influencer-deported-horrifying-055802503.html
Will this incident teach influencers that Australia’s wildlife laws must be respected, or will viral fame continue to put vulnerable species at risk?
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I looked up his Instagram account and he has done tge same thing with a huge Saltwater crocodile 
