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Pop Squirrel

Perhaps not since the Rickroll has an Internet meme gained such momentum, but a ground squirrel from Banff National Park in Alberta has become the latest image to spread across computer screens and bring a smile to people’s faces. The now-famous ground squirrel has been popping up –literally– in photos everywhere since crashing a US couple’s snapshot in May.

Melissa and Jackson Brandts had set up their tripod to capture a photo of themselves sitting in front of Lake Minnewanka. Curious about what was happening (perhaps it was the sound of the camera?), the squirrel emerged just as the picture was taken, and as a result became the focus of the image while the couple fade into the background.

The photo was posted on nationalgeographic.com, and the animal’s humorous positioning immediately caused a stir. The little critter has been Photoshopped into all sorts of images, from personal profile pictures to a photo outside Chill Winston’s in Vancouver, BC (just go to Chill Winston’s homepage –you are sure to laugh out loud). And Banff tourism officials have even set up Facebook and Twitter accounts for the National Park squirrel!

In a matter of a few clicks, the nutty squirrel has become a national icon – posing with North Korean President Kim Jong Il, US President Bill Clinton and feasting at the Last Supper. The Internet serves to connect us through current events, politics and social issues, but the universal appeal of this adorable rodent has truly become a phenomenon.

We love this little guy!