An American social media personality known as “The Real Tarzann” was criticized and may face fines after posting a video showing him chasing and wrestling a freshwater crocodile in shallow waters off Cape York in Queensland, Australia.
The footage, uploaded Thursday, Sept. 4, was reportedly filmed near Lockhart River and shows the influencer identified as Mike Holston stepping off a boat into knee- to waist-deep water, running down a crocodile, jumping on its back and wrestling it to shore as a cameraman filmed the encounter. In the video, Holston can be heard laughing and saying, “He got ahold of me, but I got ahold of him! He got a good piece of my arm, man. Look at that guy.” A wound on his arm appears to bleed during the clip.
The post drew swift criticism on social media. Viewers and other online onlookers described the stunt as dangerous and irresponsible, with some commenters calling the footage “kind of sad.” Holston, who has garnered millions of followers on social platforms for his wildlife videos, faced rebukes from users who said the act put both the man and the animal at risk.
Local authorities indicated the incident could prompt scrutiny under Queensland wildlife protection rules. The state enforces laws that prohibit interference with native wildlife, and people found to have harassed or disturbed protected animals can face penalties. It was not immediately clear what, if any, formal action would be taken or whether a complaint had been lodged by authorities at the time the video circulated.
Crocodiles in northern Australia include both freshwater and saltwater species, and wildlife agencies and safety officials routinely warn residents and visitors to avoid close contact with them. Interactions with crocodiles can be dangerous for humans and stressful or injurious for the animals, conservationists and agency guidance say.
Holston has made a career of posting filmed wildlife encounters and stunts, and his accounts have drawn large followings. Critics said the latest video blurred the line between wildlife engagement and perilous spectacle, while others argued such footage can encourage copycat behavior that places people at risk.
At the time the video began circulating, neither Holston nor Australian authorities had issued a full public statement detailing any formal investigation or charges. The clip remains available on social platforms, where it continues to prompt debate over safety, animal welfare and the responsibilities of social-media personalities who film wildlife encounters.