American Influencer Under Investigation for Illegally Wrestling Crocodiles in Queensland

Australian authorities have launched an active investigation into an American influencer, Mike Holston, known online as “therealtarzann,” after he filmed himself wrestling wild crocodiles in Queensland. The highly publicized videos, which show Holston engaging with both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, have been condemned as “extremely dangerous and illegal” by officials.

Holston’s Instagram series depicts him bare-chested, grappling with the powerful reptiles. In one instance, he dives into water, emerging with a crocodile held by its throat and blood streaming from his elbow, stating, “He got a hold of me, but I got a hold of him.” Another video shows him jumping from a boat into a waterway to pursue and wrestle a crocodile. While Holston claims the videos, which have garnered millions of views, are for “educational purposes,” they have ignited significant outrage across Australia.

The Queensland environment department confirmed it is actively exploring strong compliance actions, including substantial fines. Interfering with a saltwater crocodile carries a maximum penalty of $24,800. “These actions are extremely dangerous and illegal… people should not attempt to capture freshwater or saltwater crocodiles in Queensland, unless they are trained and licensed to do so,” the department stated. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli publicly branded the influencer a “goose.” Holston has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Australia maintains strict protections for its diverse wildlife. Bob Irwin, father of the late Steve Irwin, emphasized the need for visitors to respect Australian wildlife or face deportation, warning that such posts “can have disastrous consequences for both people and wildlife.” This incident follows another recent controversy in March involving a U.S. influencer accused of harassing a baby wombat.

Queensland’s “Croc Country” is home to an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 saltwater crocodiles, a protected and vulnerable species known for their aggression and territorial nature. Between December 1985 and April 2024, the state recorded 34 non-fatal and 14 fatal attacks by wild saltwater crocodiles.

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