Australian authorities are investigating an American influencer who filmed himself wrestling wild crocodiles in Queensland, condemning the "extremely dangerous and illegal" activity.
In a series of videos on his Instagram, bare-chested Mike Holston, who goes by therealtarzann online, tussles with saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.
In one post, he dives into the water, emerging holding the crocodile by its throat with blood streaming from his elbow.
"He got a hold of me, but I got a hold of him," Holston says.
In another, Holston jumps off a boat and into a bushy waterway in pursuit of a crocodile, which he then wrestles.
According to AFP, Holston has said the videos, which have amassed millions of views, were for "educational purposes.”
But the videos prompted outrage in Australia, where the maximum penalty for interfering with a saltwater crocodile is Aus$37,500 (US$24,800).
The state of Queensland said Wednesday it was "actively investigating" the two videos.
"These actions are extremely dangerous and illegal, and we are actively exploring strong compliance action including fines to deter any person from this type of behavior," its environment department said.
"Let us be clear: people should not attempt to capture freshwater or saltwater crocodiles in Queensland, unless they are trained and licensed to do so."
The state's Premier David Crisafulli also called the influencer a "goose.”
Holston did not respond to requests for comment.
Australia's famously diverse flora and fauna is highly protected and attempts to interfere with it can face strict penalties.
