Owl's calm demeanor sparks viral TikTok trend

In Tucson, Arizona, a tiny elf owl became an internet sensation after a video featuring animal care and control expert Mark Hammond was reposted on TikTok. The owl was initially rescued by Hammond last year when a homeowner reported strange noises coming from her attic. Upon investigating, he discovered that the bird had become trapped in a vent. Hammond, with over 30 years of experience in wildlife care, expressed his awe and enthusiasm for meeting the small grayish-brown owl, stating that this was the first time he had ever seen one up close. A digital marketing company later shared the video on TikTok, where it garnered over 16 million views in a matter of days. The elf owl, known for its calm and docile nature, is now believed to be back in its natural habitat within the Sonoran desert, blissfully unaware of its newfound fame. The virality of the video has sparked a trend on the platform, with users imitating the owl's unbothered expressions. Such trends highlight how social media can elevate simple moments into cultural phenomena, connecting people through shared experiences and humor.