Crocodile-Wrestling Influencer Slammed for ‘Dangerous’ Australia Stunt: “Kind of Sad for Wildlife”

In just hours, the video racked up over 800,000 views—but what followed was a tidal wave of outrage from conservation groups and the public.

A Shocking Moment for Social Media

Mike Holston—known online as “The Real Tarzann”—is an American influencer with over 23 million followers. But this time, his latest viral stunt didn’t earn him the usual admiration. Instead, it unleashed thousands of angry comments and a potential hefty fine.

On September 4th, Holston posted a video of himself leaping into shallow waters near Lockhart River, Cape York, Queensland, Australia. His target? A resting freshwater crocodile.
Startled, the crocodile tried to escape, but Holston chased it down, jumped on its back, and dragged it to shore in a tense, adrenaline-fueled struggle—all captured on camera.

The drama peaked when Holston, bleeding from a bite wound on his arm, laughed off the injury:

“He got ahold of me, but I got ahold of him!”

He boasted to the camera:

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to come to Australia, catch crocodiles with my bare hands, and see them up close.”

Outrage Erupts

Not everyone found the stunt “sick” in a good way.
The video quickly went viral, but instead of applause, Holston was bombarded with criticism:

“Why do that to them? Leave the crocodiles alone. It’s kind of sad you’re invading their safe space just for a video.”
“Bro, the poor animal was just resting, not hurting anyone. Why bother him for a few likes?”

Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC), a Queensland-based animal welfare group, publicly condemned Holston’s actions:

“This behavior is distressing for the animal and illegal under the Nature Conservation Act. Promoting such stunts on large social media platforms—without any permits or authority—sets a dangerous precedent. Unfortunately, the penalties are minimal compared to the money these accounts make.”

CROC confirmed the video had been reported to authorities multiple times, urging the public not to engage or promote such content, but to report it whenever spotted online.

Queensland’s Department of Environment announced an investigation was underway:

“It is a significant offence to interfere with freshwater crocodiles in Queensland, not to mention extremely dangerous,” said a spokesperson.
Under state law, disturbing or handling crocodiles without authorization can result in fines of up to $18,000 AUD.

A Worrying Trend: When Social Media Becomes a Playground for Risky Wildlife Stunts

Holston is no stranger to controversy. His feed is packed with close encounters with dangerous wildlife—giant snakes, birds of prey, even a Sumatran saltwater crocodile.
But the Queensland incident is just the latest in a worrying trend: influencers risking animal welfare and their own safety for viral fame.

Just days earlier, a Spanish tourist faced global backlash after pouring beer down an elephant’s trunk at a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary. Conservationists and authorities condemned the act as dangerous and deeply disrespectful.

Ol Jogi Conservancy, where the incident occurred, declared:

“This behavior is unacceptable, dangerous, and completely against our values.”

The Bottom Line

As social media continues to incentivize risky, sensational stunts, conservationists warn that the real victims are often the animals themselves.
What may look thrilling online can have lasting, harmful consequences for wildlife—and may land the “stars” in serious legal trouble.

Is a few seconds of viral fame ever worth the cost?