An American influencer is under scrutiny for a video showing him handling a crocodile in Far North Queensland.

Mike Holston, widely known on social media platforms as @therealtarzann, has garnered over 15 million followers with his wildlife content.

He is presently visiting Australia and has landed in a controversial situation.

Recently, he shared footage of himself leaping from a boat near Cape York, approaching a sunning freshwater crocodile.

He grappled with the two-meter-long reptile, lifting it by the throat for the camera.

“Have a look,” he remarked, displaying a bleeding cut on his arm.

“You got a good piece of my arm there.

“This is what dreams are made of. Ever since a kid, I wanted to come to Australia and just look at crocodiles.”

The Department of Environment said it is taking the matter seriously and is investigating.

Holston, who once said Steve Irwin was his idol growing up, could face a $3000 fine.