Video of eagle attacking toddler sparks online buzz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE0Q904gtMI

MONTREAL—A video of a golden eagle swooping down and snatching a toddler off the ground in Montreal before letting go has sparked an online buzz amid mounting doubts over the authenticity of the footage.

Coming just a week after a monkey wearing a sheepskin coat was found wandering around a parking lot in Toronto, the video purports to show the massive eagle – with a roughly six-foot (two-meter) wing span – circling a public park.

The eagle then swoops down, lifts an unsuspecting toddler off the ground by its winter coat and carries it a few feet before dropping it on the grass.

After cursing in English, the French-speaking man filming the incident races over to comfort the bewildered child, who starts crying but does not appear to have been seriously hurt.

Netizens have rushed to see the video, which had more than a million views by noon on Wednesday (www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE0Q904gtMI) and was also making the rounds on Twitter.

But several journalists who watch the Internet closely claim the video is likely fake.

Others have posted stills of the footage that they say show the eagle’s shadow suddenly appearing on the video when it was not previously visible.

“If the eagle video is fake, it’s a really well-made fake,” said @DocWan, echoing what many other people were saying on Twitter.

Others, though, just enjoyed the show. “Destined to be huge!” one online user wrote. “Craziest video I’ve seen in a long time,” tweeted another.

The golden eagle is the largest bird of prey in North America, and can dive at its quarry at speeds of more than 150 miles (241 kilometers) per hour, according to the US National Geographic Society.

Other Stories:

Microsoft changes Xbox One policies after outcry

Internet balloons to benefit small business—Google

Dating site for broody singles launches in Denmark

Mysterious Facebook event sparks online buzz

Recent Stories:

Aquino: Golan troops need defense against chemical arms _{6 mins elapsed}

Police nab alleged rapist named Rapis _{15 mins elapsed}

Maynilad water rates to go down by P4.79 per cubic meter _{25 mins elapsed}

Aquino not concerned by Pagasa chief’s resignation _{30 mins elapsed}

Cavite, Luzon, Batangas residents warned of heavy rains _{38 mins elapsed}

Adjustment vs momentum: Local coaches split on NBA finals picks _{45 mins elapsed}

NPA admits killing 5 workers of timber firm in Agusan Sur _{48 mins elapsed}

Suspected ring leader tagged in carjacking of ex-senator Pimentel’s van _{49 mins elapsed}

Tags: animal , Canada , Children , Internet , Offbeat