Amazing Photo Of Weasel And Woodpecker Rocks Internet

Forget #TheDress, social networkers are obsessing over a new photo. And unlike last week's perplexing polychrome frock, the latest viral sensation is brought to us care of Mother Nature.

You've probably seen the photo by now. But in case you haven't checked your twitter stream in the last 24 hours, believe us: this viral sensation is legitimately amazing.



The spectacular photo of a weasel hitchhiking a flight on the back of a woodpecker is photoshop-free – all the better for inspiring an endless stream of memes across social media and launching a discussion about whether the rodent's ride was consensual.



Untouched nature



For the discerning eyes of millions of twitterers, the photograph first shared by @Jayward7 on March 2 was nearly too good to be believed. That initial post has been retweeted some 10,000 times as social networkers obsess over whether the scene was manipulated.







But amateur photographer Martn Le-May has assured the media that he captured the shot as seen on site while walking in his local park in Essex, England.



So is the weasel doing a Buzz Lightyear, or is it actually an attempt to attack and kill the woodpecker?







In an interview with Nicholas Lund, who writes for ornithological website The Birdist, Le-May said he heard "distressed squawking" and trained his binoculars on what has now been identified as a European green woodpecker flapping around in the grass. When he focused his lenses, he saw the weasel had jumped on the bird's back.



Since weasels are known for their ferocious behavior and carnivorous appetite, it's unlikely the ride was a friendly form of carpooling.



Photoshop field day



But that didn't stop twitter users from having a field day with the picture. The list of montages depicting animals, politicians and celebrities riding the woodpecker has taken a flight of fantasy.