Latest news with #Holston
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Watch: This man just lifted a giant cobra with bare hands– here's how viewers reacted
A video of wildlife enthusiast Mike Holston holding a full-grown king cobra with his bare hands has gone viral, drawing widespread attention across social media. The clip, shared on Instagram, shows Holston handling one of the world's most venomous snakes without any visible safety gear. The moment captured on video In the video, Holston is seen lifting the large king cobra with steady hands. The snake appears calm but alert as he maintains control without gloves or protective equipment. The video has crossed 8 lakh views and continues to circulate widely across platforms. Online reactions: admiration, concern, and calls for caution Social media users expressed a range of reactions. One viewer wrote, 'This man has no fear. Absolutely insane.' Another commented, 'Beautiful creature, but this is reckless. What if something went wrong?' Some pointed to Holston's experience, with one user stating, 'He's trained for this, but wild animals should be left alone.' Others raised concerns about how such content might be interpreted, including one comment that read, 'This kind of content sends the wrong message to people who don't understand the risks.' Watch the viral video here: A viewer added, 'Respect for the animal is important– this is not a pet.' Another said, 'My anxiety spiked just watching this.' While some defended Holston's expertise– 'He's been doing this for years– he knows what he's doing' – others suggested a need for more educational framing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo One user wrote, 'If you're going to handle dangerous animals, explain the dos and don'ts. Don't make it look like a stunt.' Ongoing discussion around wildlife safety The video continues to draw comments around wildlife handling and responsible content creation. One user remarked, 'That's one way to meet your maker,' reflecting concerns about safety and public messaging.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Man lifts monstrous king cobra with bare hands, shocks internet with daring act. Video
A viral Instagram video capturing a man fearlessly grabbing a massive king cobra with his bare hands has sent shockwaves across the internet. The clip was shared by Mike Holston, a wildlife enthusiast widely known for his daring close encounters with wild and exotic animals. A man grabbed a giant king cobra with his bare hands in a viral Instagram video.(Instagram/therealtarzann) (Also read: Man tries to grab crocodile's tail, reptile lunges back in viral video: 'You're playing with fire') In the dramatic clip, Holston is seen lifting and holding a full-grown king cobra—arguably one of the most venomous snakes in the world—without any protective gear. The reptile's length appears to exceed Holston's own height, emphasising just how large and powerful the creature is. Despite the king cobra's reputation for aggression and lethal venom, Holston seems remarkably calm as he manoeuvres the snake with steady hands and firm control. Watch the clip here: Mixed reactions flood social media The video, which has garnered more than 8 lakh views since being posted, has triggered a flurry of reactions ranging from admiration to concern. Several viewers expressed awe at Holston's courage and skill, while others questioned the wisdom and ethics of such encounters. 'This man has no fear. Absolutely insane,' wrote one user, clearly impressed by the display of bravery. Another commented, 'Beautiful creature, but this is reckless. What if something went wrong?' A third user noted, 'He's trained for this, but wild animals should be left alone.' Among the praise were also voices of caution. One user warned, 'This kind of content sends the wrong message to people who don't understand the risks.' Another said, 'Respect for the animal is important—this is not a pet.' A user sarcastically remarked, 'That's one way to meet your maker.' Meanwhile, someone joked, 'My anxiety spiked just watching this.' Others highlighted Holston's unique relationship with wildlife. 'He's been doing this for years—he knows what he's doing,' said a follower. Yet, there were also those who urged for more educational context in such content. 'If you're going to handle dangerous animals, explain the dos and don'ts. Don't make it look like a stunt,' one user pointed out.
News18
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Man Grabs Crocodile's Tail, What Happened Next Was Terrifying
Last Updated: Within seconds, the massive reptile whips around and snaps at Holston with alarming speed. A chilling video of a man narrowly escaping a crocodile's sudden lunge has taken the internet by storm. The clip, shared on Instagram by wildlife enthusiast and influencer Mike Holston, shows him attempting to grab the tail of a crocodile. Within seconds, the massive reptile whips around and snaps at Holston. Despite the terrifying moment, Holston appeared composed, unfazed by the near miss. No injuries were reported during the incident, but the video has once again raised questions about the risks and ethics of human-wildlife interactions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike Holston (@therealtarzann) 'You love playing with your life," read a comment. An Instagram user remarked, 'This is beyond reckless – it's not about bravery, it's about respect for wildlife." 'My heart dropped for you!!!" said another. An individual wrote, 'You're messing with a reptile. What do you think? It wasn't going to react to you touching his tail? You should've never been in there in the beginning." 'He's lucky that crocodile didn't get a proper grip. These animals aren't to be toyed with," commented a user. An account stated, 'That was intense! Had my heart racing." 'Mike knows what he's doing. He's trained and extremely cautious, even when it appears risky," said a follower. 'Naaah, u can't train these reflexes in the gym… it's pure instinct and a lot of courage mixed with madness… If the crocodile were an influencer, this would be the embarrassing video he would never post," commented another. Known for his up-close encounters with some of the world's most dangerous animals, including snakes, big cats, and reptiles, Mike Holston has built a massive following. His wildlife education and adrenaline-fueled content have earned him over 13.9 million views till now. First Published:
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Man tries to grab crocodile's tail, reptile lunges back in viral video: ‘You're playing with fire'
A shocking video capturing a man's attempt to grab a crocodile's tail—only to face a swift and sudden retaliation—has gone viral on Instagram, sparking both awe and concern across the internet. (Also read: Crocodile attacks tourist in Philippines zoo after he mistakes it for a statue) The clip, shared by wildlife enthusiast Mike Holston—widely known online for his daring encounters with wild animals—shows the tense moment he reaches for the tail of a resting crocodile. As soon as he makes contact, the massive reptile snaps around in a sudden, aggressive lunge, missing Holston by mere inches. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the incident, and Holston remains remarkably composed despite the harrowing encounter. Holston, who regularly posts videos featuring close interactions with snakes, big cats, and reptiles, has amassed a significant following for his fearless approach to wildlife education. However, this particular stunt appears to have divided the internet. The video, which has garnered over 5.3 million views, has triggered a wave of mixed reactions in the comments section. One Instagram user remarked, 'This is beyond reckless – it's not about bravery, it's about respect for wildlife.' Another added, 'You're playing with fire. One wrong move and it's all over.' A third commented, 'He's lucky that crocodile didn't get a proper grip. These animals aren't to be toyed with.' Some, however, came to Holston's defence, highlighting his expertise and deep understanding of animal behaviour. 'Mike knows what he's doing. He's trained and extremely cautious, even when it appears risky,' said one follower. Another echoed, 'This might look wild, but he's educating people about these incredible creatures.' (Also read: Man casually feeds massive crocodile with bare hands: 'This is beyond reckless') Others simply found the video thrilling. 'That was intense! Had my heart racing,' one viewer wrote, while another joked, 'Crocodile said 'not today, sir!'
Chicago Tribune
18-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Monee's St. Paul church granted landmark status by county
A Monee church with roots dating back to the 1850s is being acknowledged as an official Will County historical landmark. The Will County Board Wednesday granted landmark status to the 110-year-old St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5323 W. Margaret St., making it the 61th Will County site to be named a landmark since the program began in 1992. 'This is very exciting for the village of Monee,' said County Board member Judy Ogalla, who represents the area. While the church was dedicated during services conducted in both English and German on June 13, 1915, the congregation can trace its history decades earlier when German immigrants settled in eastern Will County. In 1858, 35 residents founded St. Paul's congregation, according to the church's history. Despite having little money, they built the original church structure in 1860 for about $1,045 and used adjacent land that was donated by one of the first church officers and village founders for a cemetery. The historic designation is extra special to Christina Holston, a member of the Will County Historic Preservation Commission, whose relatives were among the church's founders in the 1850s. 'St. Paul's has been the cornerstone of village life for many years,' Holston said. 'Community life was centered around St. Paul's.' The ground for a new church was broken in 1914. Members of the congregation placed important documents and the history of the church in a copper box embedded in the cornerstone, though only a few of the charter members who organized the congregation in 1858 were living and present at the ceremony, historical documents said. 'After the cornerstone ceremony the ladies of the church spread long tables in the basement and loaded them with fried chicken, boiled ham, potato salad, pickles, pies and all the trimming, serving over 4,000 until long into the evening,' the church's history said. Throughout the years, the church has been home to several organizations and events, Holston said. Both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts met in the basement as did a quilting society and a knitting club that created handmade booties and blankets for new babies. The church has been a host for veterans breakfasts, pork chop dinners and Oktoberfest celebrations, Holston said. St. Paul's Cemetery, which is the resting place for about 100 veterans, including 17 Civil War veterans, is part of Wreaths Across America day, Holston said. St. Paul's Cemetery was named an official Will County historic landmark in 2020, and numerous of Holston's relatives, dating back to her great, great, great-grandfather, are buried there. 'It's been a landmark in the community for its entire life,' Holston said. 'Now it's officially being recognized.' Landmarking protects local heritage, boosts tourism, increases property values and helps the environment by reusing what already exists, according to the Will County Land Use Department. Property owners may qualify for tax credits and state and federal grants. There are four other Will County landmarks located within Monee Township, including the Monee Creamery, the Riegel Farmstead, the St. Paul's Cemetery, and the Henery Furst House. Nominating the site recognizes its importance to local history and its value to the Monee community, county documents said. Will County staff noted the church's exterior and interior are in good physical condition, and it is an example of gothic revival style, which was a popular architectural style for the times. 'It has a lot of meaning to the village,' said Ogalla, of Monee. 'The families have a deep appreciation and love for this building. It's just a focal point of this community that everyone can wrap their arms around.' She said the building and its congregation are welcoming. Holston said they hope to have a celebration for the historical landmark status later this summer or in fall.
