Two social media influencers in Florida are under investigation after a video showing them petting alligators went viral, according to multiple reports. The incident occurs days after a swimmer is killed in an alligator attack. One post, shared on TikTok, invites viewers to “pet alligators,” framing the activity as content to emulate wildlife personality “Steve Irwin.”
Following the video’s spread, viewers report it to authorities, prompting officials to investigate the circumstances. Public warnings accompanying such incidents emphasize that repeated human contact can reduce alligators’ wariness of people, making future encounters more dangerous. Officials also highlight the risks of approaching or handling large wildlife, particularly in areas where alligators are known to be present.
The two influencers’ identities are reported, but the investigation’s scope and any potential charges or outcomes are not described in the available summaries.
