American Influencer Faces Backlash After Subduing Wild Crocodile With Bare Hands

32 Million Views on Instagram
Australia Launches Investigation into Illegal Activity
Facing a Fine of 35 Million Won

An American influencer is facing intense backlash after posting a video online boasting about subduing a wild crocodile in Australia with his bare hands. Australian authorities have launched an investigation into possible illegal activity, putting him at risk of a fine of up to 35 million won. Environmental organizations are calling for his deportation or a ban on entering the country.

American influencer Mike Holston restraining a saltwater crocodile, a protected animal in Australia. Screenshot from Australian Broadcasting Corporation website · Yonhap News Agency

According to reports from AFP and other outlets on September 11 (local time), the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DETSI) has begun investigating the actions of American Mike Holston, who harassed a crocodile. In Queensland, such actions are illegal and can result in a fine of up to 37,500 Australian dollars (approximately 34.7 million won).

Holston, who has 15.5 million Instagram followers, posted a video of his trip to Australia on his Instagram account on September 5. He mainly uploads videos about interacting with wild animals. The footage shows him jumping off a boat at Cape York in Queensland to catch crocodiles, grabbing one tightly around the neck as if to choke it.

While the crocodile was groaning, Holston proudly stated that he had wanted to visit Australia since he was a child, saying, "This is where dreams come true," before releasing the animal. The video went viral, garnering over 32 million views on Instagram.

In another video, he ran toward a juvenile saltwater crocodile in a wetland and subdued it in a similar manner before letting it go.

Queensland Responds Immediately

Wildlife videos recently posted on Instagram by American influencer Mike Holston. Instagram capture

Queensland authorities responded promptly. A spokesperson for the state’s environment department described Holston’s "crocodile subduing" as "extremely dangerous and illegal," and stated, "We are actively pursuing strong compliance measures under Australian law, including imposing fines."

Environmental groups also criticized Holston. The global animal protection organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) called for his punishment, deportation, and a ban on entering the country. Mimi Bekhechi, a PETA advisor, stated, "Crocodiles, like other native wild animals, are highly sensitive to pain and stress. Influencers have no right to strike or handle them roughly, and these animals deserve to live peacefully without fear."

Meanwhile, it is known that since 1969, there have been 46 fatal crocodile attacks in Australia. Earlier, in March, American influencer Sam Jones sparked huge public outrage in Australia after posting a video of herself capturing a baby wombat, a protected marsupial found only in Australia.

Even Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Jones and announced that the Australian authorities would prevent her from entering the country in the future, prompting Jones to leave Australia.