How Steve Irwin copycats face huge fines for pulling his deadly snake stunt in ... trends now
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Social media influencers are risking massive fines and even death by recreating a Steve Irwin stunt with a killer snake.
Instagram influencers are attempting their own 'crikey' moment by picking up and posing with the inland taipan - the world's most venomous snake.
All native snakes are protected in Australia and the penalties for catching one can reach up to $464,400 and even jail.
FNQ Nature Tours owner and nature guide James Boettcher said he became aware of the deadly behaviour a decade ago.
He is critical of influencers trying to copy the wildlife warrior, who once picked up a taipan and allowed it to lick his face.
'I've noticed a trend where people have gotten mixed up in the social media game, and I think they've lost sight of their educational responsibilities,' Mr Boettcher told Yahoo News.