The creators of a video purporting to show an eagle swooping down and snatching a toddler from a Montreal park admitted Thursday that it was all a hoax.

The video entitled "The Golden Eagle Snatches Kid," posted on Youtube earlier this week quickly went viral, earning millions of views and becoming the subject of news reports around the globe.

The video's creators said it was intentionally created as a part of a class project to create a viral video hoax at a new-media training institute in Montreal.

"We had no idea what was coming," a giddy Normand Archambault told The Canadian Press.

Archimbault who created the video along with fellow students Loic Mireault, Antoine Seigle and Felix Marquis-Poulin added: "We were all speechless."

The students were promised a 100 percent score if they received 100,000 page views - and within a few hours, sometime after lunch Wednesday, they had smashed that target 50 times over.

Valerie Boudreau, an admissions assistant at the Centre NAD told The Associated Press the school had not anticipated that the video would receive so much attention.

"We were expecting some reaction but not this big. The students succeeded very well," she said.

Claude Arsenault, a spokesman for the Centre NAD, said the video was done as part of a project in 3D animation and digital design. Both the eagle and the toddler were created in 3D animation and integrated into the film afterward, he said.

An online debate quickly raged about whether or not the video was real, with many people weighing in that it was fake.

The viral video came a week after a story about a monkey decked out in a stylish coat, wandering around an IKEA parking lot in Toronto, made news around the world after a picture of the tiny primate was tweeted by a shopper.

The Associated Press

A daily look at breaking news and stories that will be talked about today:

1. BUS BOMBING AS CLINTON CONTINUES TRUCE EFFORTS: A bus bombing injured many Israelis in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, and fighting between Hamas and Israel continues as sticking points over a ceasefire remain unresolved.

2. WHAT A MYANMAR CONCESSION ON NUKES COULD TELL: The Asian nation's decision to declare all atomic energy facilities may shed light on whether it sought nuclear know-how from North Korea.

3. SUICIDE BOMBER HITS NEAR U.S. BASE IN KABUL: Two Afghan guards are killed in the explosion that rocked the heart of the capital.

4. DEATHS OF 5 CHINESE CHILDREN CAUSING A NATIONAL SOUL SEARCH: Some are reflecting on how "left-behind" rural children reveal a darker side to China's economic development.

5. DOCTORS GROUP FAVORS OVER-THE-COUNTER PILL: Momentum may be building for birth control pills to be sold without a prescription, like condoms.

6. SAN FRANCISCO BANS NUDITY: The city which has a reputation for being without inhibitions is prohibiting public nakedness.

7. FISCAL CLIFF, SLOW RECOVERY AFFECT THANKSGIVING TRAVEL: Many Americans are making sacrifices this holiday as they feel the pinch from high airfares and rising fuel and toll costs.

8. HOSTESS LIVES TO DIE ANOTHER DAY: The maker of Twinkies fails to reach a deal with its second biggest union, so the company will continue liquidation plan.

9. BOXER HECTOR `MACHO' CAMACHO SHOT: The 1980s three world title winner is on life support after he was shot in the face outside San Juan, Puerto Rico.

10. ELMO FACES CHANGE AFTER PUPPETEER'S RESIGNATION: In the wake of the actor's scandalous exit from "Sesame Street", Elmo's positiveness and innocence could be put to the test.

The Associated Press

A daily look at breaking news and stories that will be talked about today:

1. HILLARY CLINTON HEADS TO THE MIDDLE EAST: Obama sends the secretary of state to the region in a bid to mediate an end to the bloody conflict.

2. NETANYAHU FINALLY LAUNCHES HIS OWN WAR: Known for his tough talk, the Israeli prime minister could coast to an election victory in January on solid popular support for his Gaza operation.

3. OBAMA MEETS CHINA, JAPAN LEADERS AMID SOUTH SEA TENSIONS: The president wraps up a four-day tour of Southeast Asia with talks on the margins of the East Asia Summit in Cambodia.

4. DOCUMENTARY CLAIMS CONVICT INVOLVED IN O. J. SIMPSON CASE: A television show claims a Florida convicted killer may have had a role in the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson.

5. FOUR CALIFORNIA MEN IN ALLEGED TERROR PLOT: Authorities say the defendants were arrested for plotting to bomb military bases and government facilities.

6. SCIENTISTS PUZZLED BY VIOLENT DOLPHIN DEATHS: The mammals are washing ashore along the northern Gulf Coast with bullet wounds, missing jaws and hacked-off fins.

7. FOCUS OF ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS TURNS TO JORDAN'S MONARCH: In an unprecedented move, some demonstrators angry at poor economic conditions call for King Abdullah to step down.

8. WHY MOURNING FOR HO HO'S MAY BE PREMATURE: Hostess and striking workers agree to resume bargaining, providing hope that the popular cake-maker won't shut down.

9. A PUSH FOR WIDESPREAD, ROUTINE HIV SCREENING: All Americans ages 15 to 64 should get an HIV test at least once, a health panel says.

10. HOW SANTA FEELS ABOUT TABLET COMPUTERS: Same as last year, the AP's Peter Svensson reports. Tablets are even better-made now - and fierce competition has kept prices very low.

The Associated Press

A daily look at breaking news and stories that will be talked about today:

1. NO LETUP IN VIOLENCE BETWEEN ISRAEL, HAMAS: Palestinian militants continued to barrage Israel with rockets, and Israel announced it was widening its offensive to target the military commanders of the ruling Islamist group.

2. CONGRESS LOOKS TO EGYPT FOR SOLUTION: Lawmakers say Cairo needs to take serious diplomatic steps to rein in Hamas.

3. OBAMA EXTENDS `HAND OF FRIENDSHIP' TO LONG-SHUNNED MYANMAR: The president makes a historic trip to the Asian nation, meeting its leader Thein Sein and longtime activist Aung San Suu Kyi.

4. OBAMA'S EDUCATION AGENDA: The administration is likely to focus on early childhood programs and higher-ed.

5. WHAT PAULA BROADWELL IS TELLING FRIENDS: Petraeus' biographer and former mistress says she is devastated by the fallout from their affair.

6. `HOBBIT' PRODUCTION COMPANY BLAMED FOR ANIMAL DEATHS: Up to 27 animals died at a film facility filled with `death traps.'

7. SAN FRANCISCO MAY SHED `ANYTHING GOES' IMAGE: City lawmakers plan to vote on an ordinance that would prohibit nudity in most public places.

8. `TWILIGHT' FINALE EVEN DRAWS GUYS: The movie sucks up $141.3 million domestically, $340.9 million worldwide and the biggest male crowds in the series.

9. JUSTIN BIEBER'S DATE AT THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS: The 18-year-old's mother was there to watch him win artist of the year and two other trophies.

10. A BIG THANKSGIVING WEEKEND FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Notre Dame needs only to beat Southern California to secure a BCS title game spot.

A daily look at news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about today:

1. AN OFFER TO HOLD FIRE IN GAZA

Israel agrees to suspend its offensive while the Egyptian premier visits, but Palestinians keep firing rockets.

2. WOUNDED VETERANS JUMP OUT OF A FREIGHT TRAIN'S PATH

Four people died when the Texas parade float was hit at a railroad crossing.

3. HOW LONG IS TOO LONG TO TURN THE POWER BACK ON

Power came back after Sandy a little faster than to victims of other storms.

4. "FISCAL CLIFF" SHOWDOWN AT THE WHITE HOUSE

The president meets congressional leaders facing a tricky path to compromise.

5. WHAT $4.5 BILLION OIL SPILL SETTLEMENT MEANS FOR BP'S BOTTOM LINE

It may sound like a lot - but consider that the British oil giant made $5.5 billion in one quarter.

6. PETRAEUS SPEAKS, BUT NOT ON SEX SCANDAL

The former CIA director testified in Congress about the Sept. 11 attack on the Libyan U.S. Consulate.

7. HARDLY A MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

Lost Beatles fans looking for the famous Abbey Road often find themselves at a drab train station with the same name.

8. OIL RIG EXPLOSION

Coast Guard officials said an oil rig exploded off the coast of Louisiana, sending four people to hospitals. Two were believed to be missing.

9. JESSE & JOY ALMOST SWEEP LATIN GRAMMYS

The Mexican brother-sister duo and their pop hit `Corre!' win four awards, but lose best album to Colombian rockero Juanes.

10. THE END OF TWINKIES?

Hostess Brands moves to liquidate after a strike.

The Associated Press

A daily look at breaking news and stories that will be talked about today:

1. AIRSTRIKE ONSLAUGHT IN GAZA: Israel's most intense offensive on the Gaza Strip in four years sets off new rounds of fighting, with an early rocket attack killing three Israelis.

2. A NEW LEADER FOR CHINA: Xi Jinping secured the Communist Party's top spot to lead a nation clamoring for economic and political reform.

3. THE EMAIL THAT GAVE BIRTH TO A SCANDAL: The anonymous email in May warned the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan to stay away from a Florida socialite, the first in a chain of messages that led to the downfall of CIA Director David Petraeus.

4. THE AGENT WHO TRACKED THE GENERALS: FBI Special Agent Frederick Humphries II helped stop a Los Angeles airport terror plot more than a decade ago when he was stationed in Seattle.

5. ROMNEY KNOWS WHY OBAMA WON: A week after the election, the Republican challenger blamed his overwhelming electoral loss on what he said were big "gifts" the president had bestowed on young voters, African Americans and Hispanics.

6. HARD TIMES AGAIN FOR THE EUROZONE: For the first time in three years, the 17 countries that use the euro have fallen back into a recession.

7. WHY DRINKING CAN MAKE YOU FAT: The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention says that alcohol rivals sugary soda for empty calories.

8. OBAMA, BOEHNER SPAR OVER THE NATION'S WELL-TO-DO: Let taxes rise on the rich, the president urges. That would hurt the economy and stunt job growth, the GOP leader counters.

9. NEW ALZHEIMER'S DISCOVERY: Study of a just-identified variant gene might reveal ways to prevent the mind-robbing disorder.

10. HOW TO KILL 180 MILLION RATS: A helicopter is to begin dropping nearly 22 tons of poison bait to clear out rodents that have overrun the Galapagos Islands.

The Associated Press

A daily look at breaking news and stories that will be talked about today:

1. WHAT OBAMA HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE PETRAEUS SCANDAL: The president will hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. Seattle time, but it's not clear if he'll address whether national security had been threatened.

2. THE WOMAN IN THE EYE OF THE STORM: Florida socialite Jill Kelley wonders in a 911 call if her "honorary consul general" title affords her "diplomatic protection" from the media.

3. U.S. SEES AL-QAIDA LINK TO CONSULATE ATTACK: The head of the U.S. military's Africa Command says some of those who attacked the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya were linked to al-Qaida's North Africa arm.

4. OBAMA AND THE `FISCAL CLIFF': He is turning to business and labor groups to support his plan, which includes requiring the wealthy to pay more in taxes.

5. HU STEPS DOWN AS CHINA'S LEADER: Vice President Xi Jinping will be presented as the Communist Party head when the new leadership is announced Thursday.

6. RUSSIA TREASON LAW: A new law expanding Russia's definition of treason took effect Wednesday -- and critics say it's so vague that the government can now brand anyone who dissents as a traitor.

7. ACCUSER OF ELMO PUPPETEER RECANTS: He now says their relationship was adult and consensual, so the question is: Why did he initially allege there was teen sex?

8. HOW SYRIAN OPPOSITION HOPES TO STAY IN THE GAME: The selection of a moderate cleric as the group's leader is an attempt to counter the growing influence of Islamic extremists in the rebellion against Assad.

9. A FLIGHT TO AN FAA SAFETY CONFERENCE ENDS TRAGICALLY: All three pilots aboard a single-engine plane are killed when it crashes into a Jackson, Miss., house.

10. COLBERT ENDS SUPER PAC: In case you missed the show Monday night, Stephen Colbert has shut down his Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow -- a joke that mocked the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. But the joke became real, at one point raising more than $1 million. And then there's the fate of Ham Rove ...

The Associated Press

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about today:

1. WHY THE FBI DIDN'T TELL THE WHITE HOUSE ABOUT PETRAEUS EARLIER:  The bureau is preparing a timeline of its investigation to help explain that to Congress.

2. WHO ELSE IS BEING INVESTIGATED:  "Inappropriate communications" from the top U.S. general in Afghanistan, John Allen, to Petraeus friend Jill Kelley is the subject of a Pentagon probe.

3. `FISCAL CLIFF' CONFRONTS CONGRESS: As they get back to work Tuesday, lawmakers must attempt to avert the crippling specter of expiring tax breaks and automatic spending cuts.

4. AFGHAN MASSACRE TESTS MILITARY JUSTICE: With a spotty history of convicting troops in civilian deaths, government prosecutors at Joint Base Lewis-McChord give their closing argument Tuesday in a case against an Army sergeant accused of killing 16 Afghan civilians.

5. CATHOLIC BISHOPS TAKE STOCK OF THE ELECTION: Votes on gay marriage and birth control didn't go their way. But the church is showing no sign of a shift in strategy.

6. CHINA'S CONGRESS GETS `SOCIALIZED': The country's political transition used the Internet more than in the past -- and it was used by citizens to check on delegates.

7. WHERE A ROCK MAY BE WORTH $15 MILLION: Christie's will auction off one of the rarest and most famous diamonds, the Archduke Joseph Diamond, in Geneva on Tuesday.

8. CHARITY STARTS AT HOME ... ON A COMPUTER: AP technology writer Anick Jesdanun says that nowadays online social networks make it easier to support a worthy cause such as relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy victims.

9. FASHION STATEMENT SHOULD HAVE STAYED A SECRET: Victoria's Secret apologizes for putting a Native American-style headdress on a model in a fashion show.

10. FOR THE NFL, A RECURRING HEADACHE: 25 percent of Sunday's football games saw a starting QB leave with a concussion.