That guy was an idiot, and many times obviously had a defanged snake or some other hobbled animal. This croc most likely was sedated. None that size would ever allow some clown on his knees to crawl up that close between his front and back legs or especially in front of his front leg.
Sedated.
This was a cameo for a spoof, I don’t remember which one...it is an inflatable gator similar to the one in Happy Gilmore.
That being said, Steve Irwin was a great host and brought good heartedness to the animal kingdom.
THAT being said, he WAS just a little TOO friendly with the stingrays...I guess they never watched his show...