CBS NEWS
Screen capture of a YouTube video that claims to show a golden eagle trying to grab a small child in Montreal.
MONTREAL, Quebec (CBS13/WTSP) - An incredible video that appears to show a golden eagle snatching a small child off the ground in a Montreal park
has gone viral.
The video, posted by a YouTube user named 'MrNuclearCat' shows the bird of prey circling above the park when it suddenly swoops, picks up
the toddler in its talons and flies a few feet before dropping the
child.
WATCH: Video of the supposed eagle-snatching
The toddler appears to be shaken but uninjured.
The video was posted on YouTube on Tuesday, December 18 and by Wednesday morning had more than 1.2 million views.
Almost immediately came much debate online as to the video's authenticity, with many citing discrepancies with the bird's shadow or wing.
By Wednesday afternoon, the website Gawker reported that the video was indeed a fake.
A Montreal-based animation and design school called Centre NAD confirmed the video was the work of three of its students.
The school holds an annual "hoax the Internet" test, and for a few hours at least, they succeeded for 2012.
According to National Geographic, the golden eagle is the largest
bird of prey in North America. The birds have a wingspan from 6 to 7.5
feet and weigh between 6 and 15 pounds. They have been known to attack
full grown deer.
You May Also Like...
Bikini Photos: 2012 Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant
Caught on Camera: Dashcam catches 14 illegal immigrants jumping from SUV
Really?!?: Dashcam catches man urinating on patrol car
Gah: Nose ring found in McDonalds burrito
7-11 Nudie: Nude robber boosts 7-11, video
Lil Girl Gang: Little girls busted in burglary ring
Oh Deer: Video catches deer tangled in Christmas lights
Sex Offender Search: Look up Florida Sex Offenders here
Lawsuit: Scientology allegedly covered up woman's death
Lovely Angels: 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show pictures
Yowtch! Teen accidentally shoots off his penis, testicle
Cheerleader sex: Former Ben-Gal pleads guilty to sex with teen
Unwelcome house guests: Coyotes move into abandoned mansion
PHOTOS: George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin crime scene pics
Not just a game? Man murdered for Magic: The Gathering cards
Yearbook mug shot: Teen who posed in racy yearbook photos busted for underage drinking
Bikinis, mud, trucks: The Redneck Yacht Club
Photos: Ex-Charlie Sheen Goddess Bree Olson
Naughty Schoolgirls: Naughty schoolgirl night at Tampa club pictures
Outrageous mug shot galleries...
Strange: Some of the most unusual mug shots we've seen
Notorious Women: Bad girls behind bars
Teachers: Teacher arrest mugshots
Celebrities: The rich and famous have their own booking photos
Jaw droppers: Open mouth mug shots
Laughers: What's so funny mug shots
Prostitutes: Prostitute mug shots
Athletes: Professional athlete mug shots
Porn arrests: Child porn arrest mug shots
Local Mugs: Hillsborough County Mug shots
More unusual mug shots and galleries: 10 News slideshows and galleries