Many of us have had funny unexpected moments in front of the camera – and it all started when a couple visiting Banff, Alberta, set up their camera on a timer to take a photograph of themselves on the shore of Lake Minnewanka. What happened next was unexpected (and funny). A curious squirrel appeared in front of the camera as the photo was being taken. Knowing that they had something worth sharing, the couple submitted it to a contest on National Geographic’s website.

Squirrel Portrait, Banff, Photograph by Melissa Brandts

[from National Geographic]

What ensued was the start of a viral phenomenon. People started inserting the squirrel into their own photos using Photoshop and it began creating a viral wave across the Internet. Banff Tourism leapt on board as soon as the buzz began and the “crasher squirrel” became a social media hit.

Read Katie Bailey’s story [writing for Media in Canada] titled Banff Tourism goes nuts with “crasher squirrel”. Katie spoke with Banff Tourism about the phenomenon and their strategy to capitalize on this amazing social media opportunity.  It goes without saying, when an opportunity presents itself, you’ve got to be ready to capitalize on it and execute. Congratulations Banff Tourism!

Now for the Banff Crasher Squirrel: The Movie! [by Banff Tourism]