A shocking video has surfaced of a Canadian influencer, Colton Macaulay, wrestling a crocodile out of the water in Australia.
The clip, which was posted on his social media accounts, shows the 27-year-old holding a medium-sized crocodile that thrashes about and opens its jaws, clearly unhappy about being disturbed.
Who is Colton Macaulay?
For those who may not know, Colton Macaulay is a social media personality from Nova Scotia, Canada, with over 15 million followers across his accounts.
He’s known for posting videos of himself handling exotic animals and insects, often boasting about his daring feats.
His videos have included getting bitten by snakes, having spiders crawl across his face, and handling small insects with ease.
The Backlash
However, it was his recent stunt in Australia that sparked outrage among Aussie viewers.
The video, which was viewed nearly half a million times before being removed, showed Macaulay snatching a crocodile out of the water without any regard for his own safety or the animal’s well-being. Comments on the video were scathing, with many calling him “stupid,” “moronic,” and “idiotic.”
A History of Wildlife Mishaps
This isn’t the first time an influencer has faced backlash for mishandling Australian wildlife.
Earlier this year, American influencer Sam Jones was condemned for picking up a baby wombat on the side of the road to pose for a picture. The footage showed the wombat in distress, and Jones later apologized for her actions.
The Laws and Consequences
In Australia, handling crocodiles requires authorization and permits, which are handled by individual states. It’s unclear whether Macaulay was aware of these laws or had obtained the necessary permits.
Ben Pearson, Country Director at World Animal Protection Australia, condemned Macaulay’s actions, stating that wildlife is best appreciated from a distance. “Our iconic Australian animals, like all wildlife, are best loved from a distance,” Pearson said.
The Bigger Picture
The incident raises concerns about the impact of social media on wildlife conservation. With many influencers seeking to gain followers and likes by handling exotic animals, it’s essential to remember that these actions can have severe consequences for both humans and animals.
As Pearson noted, “Just a quick look at this influencer’s account and you can see multiple videos where they’re interfering with Aussie wildlife in their homes, from cassowaries to wobbegong sharks.” It’s time for social media personalities to prioritize animal welfare and safety over likes and followers.