Overview

• Queensland’s environment department says it is actively investigating two videos and is exploring strong compliance action including fines, with penalties for interfering with saltwater crocodiles reported up to about A$37,500.
• The clips show Mike Holston chasing and restraining freshwater and saltwater crocodiles near Lockhart River on Cape York Peninsula, and both animals are seen being released.
• One video has drawn more than 33 million views, intensifying concern from conservationists about harmful copycat behavior and the stress caused to protected wildlife.
• Bob Irwin condemned the conduct and urged tougher consequences as Premier David Crisafulli called the influencer a “goose,” while activist groups pressed for deportation, which would be a federal decision.
• Holston says the posts were educational and not meant to be copied, and officials noted the juvenile saltwater crocodile’s unusually passive response in the footage.