Fact Check: Is the North American Pine Squid real or fake? Viral video claim explored 

Videos of the North American Pine Squid have recently resurfaced online. For those uninitiated, the tree is depicted as having octopus-like tentacles that move similar to the aquatic animal. However, despite the realistic appearance of these videos, the organism does not exist in reality.

The YouTube channel Unreal World is one of many who took to social media to share a video of the North American Pine Squid. In the clip, a man explains that viewers can see a “three- to four-year-old male.” The man was referring to the black octopus that was stuck on a tree and appeared to be in a forest.

Facebook user RYry Jayne also took to the social networking site to share the aforementioned video.

At the time of writing this article, the videos had amassed not more than 500 views. However, as per research done on internet trends, the organism seems to be extensively discussed online.

Despite appearing to be real in the videos, the North American Pine Squid is not real. The video appears to have been created using artificial intelligence.

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The North American Pine Squid is not real

Facebook user Brian Watson took to the social networking site to explain that the organism is an “internet hoax” created by Lyle Zapato. He explained:

“Since it’s creation, the Pacific Northwest tree octopus website has been commonly referenced in internet literacy classes in schools and has been used in multiple studies demonstrating children’s gullibility regarding online sources of information.”

Furthermore, no scientists have confirmed the existence of the North American Pine Squid. If the species were real, it is likely that different publications would have discussed it, considering its peculiarity. Therefore, it is safe to say that the organism is not real.

Nonetheless, the Zapatopi website has provided extensive information on the fictional organism. Their Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus page explained that the species is commonly found in the Olympic Peninsula of North America. They claimed that the organism could reach up to 30-33 cm in size. The page also stated:

“An intelligent and inquisitive being (it has the largest brain-to-body ratio for any mollusk), the tree octopus explores its arboreal world by both touch and sight.”

Additionally, the page stated that the tree octopus’ tentacles have “sensitive suckers” that help the octopus stick itself to the tree. The creatures reportedly showcase their emotion by changing the color of their skin, with red indicating anger and white expressing fear.

The site then said that there was resistance to protect the endangered species of the North American Pine Squid from the timber industry, as they viewed it as a “nuisance.”

Since the organism does not exist in reality, it is highly likely that the viral video was created using artificial intelligence.

The North American Pine Squid is not the first fictional species to emerge from the internet. Netizens have also claimed the existence of a fur-coated fish, which has since been debunked. Additionally, claims of a purple apple existing have similarly been debunked.