Steve 'Croc Hunter' Irwin is being investigated by Australian authorities after allegedly interfering with animals in a protected area, Australia's ABC News is reporting.

The reports indicate that viewers in the United States called Australian authorities after Irwin was spotted in a TV promotion campaign "getting very close and personal with some whales," as Parliamentary Secretary to the Australian Environment Minister, Sharman Stone, put it.

Irwin denies that any Antarctic-area rules were breached.

"All I know is Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund, Steve Irwin, Jacques Cousteau, Sir David Attenborough, mate, we are the people that are filming the whales, taking it to you so as you understand the beauty of the animal," he said. "If we can get them into your hearts then we may be able to stop whaling."

The TV star could face financial penalties if regulations were breached.