2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Stunning People’s Choice Winner by the Natural History Museum

The winners of the 2026 People’s Choice Award for Wildlife Photographer of the Year have been announced, and the results are surprising.

Selected from over 60,000 entries from more than 100 countries, this year’s contest once again proves the power of wildlife photography to inspire, shock and move people around the world.

The winner was “Flying Rodent” by Austrian photographer Josef Stefan. This photo captures the rare moment when an Iberian lynx in action throws its prey into the air just before attacking. Beyond its drama, this image tells a story of hope. The Iberian lynx, once on the verge of extinction, has made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by London’s Natural History Museum, is one of the world’s most prestigious photography competitions, celebrating artistic excellence and raising awareness about our planet.

Scroll down to explore some of the most powerful images from this year’s People’s Choice selection and experience nature’s wonders like never before.

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This shot captures the dramatic hunting moment of an Iberian lynx as it tosses its prey into the air with perfect timing. This intense, almost surreal image highlights the raw power of nature and symbolizes the remarkable recovery of the world’s most endangered ocelot.

In this scene, both tense and unexpectedly tender, two young bears rear up on their hind legs in the middle of a quiet road, seemingly locked in a playful spar or sibling feud. Their silhouettes, gently outlined in the fading light, create a moment that is at once natural and cinematic. What makes this image really impressive are the cars approaching in the background. The flashing headlights add a sense of urgency and contrast between the wild and human worlds. But despite the looming presence, the cubs remain engrossed in the interaction, unaware of the danger just meters away. This photo perfectly captures how fragile and unpredictable wildlife encounters can be, especially in areas where nature and human activity intersect. This is a powerful reminder that even the most innocent moments in nature can unfold under the shadow of risk.

Hundreds of flamingos congregate in the calm shallow waters, creating a breathtaking sight with soft pinks glowing under pastel skies. Above it, a line of towering telephone poles stretches into the distance in perfect symmetry, creating a striking visual contrast between nature and human infrastructure. Two flamingos gracefully glide through the sky, adding movement and balance to an already captivating composition. This image feels surreal, as if carefully staged, yet captures a very real intersection of wildlife and modern development. What makes this photo so powerful is its quiet message. Birds continue to engage in natural behavior, but in a landscape that is undeniably shaped by human presence. It’s a reminder of how wild animals adapt, survive, and sometimes thrive, even as the world around them rapidly changes.

Viewed from above, a peaceful and intimate moment unfolds as a polar bear mother rests, her cubs huddled around her. The soft, intertwined shapes create a natural, sculptural composition that blends seamlessly with the rugged terrain below. Each cub takes refuge in the warmth and safety of its mother, forming a quiet circle of trust and protection. This scene offers a rare glimpse of tranquility in the wild. In the wild, survival depends on constant movement and alertness. What makes this image particularly moving is its simplicity. There’s no action or drama, just a powerful reminder of the bond between parents and children and the quiet moments that define life even in the harshest of circumstances.

At first glance, this image seems almost unrealistic, but a closer look reveals a powerful and disturbing reality. The deer stands with the decaying skulls of other animals entwined in its antlers, carrying an accidental and unforgettable burden. The stark white background isolates the subject and focuses all attention on the animal and the strange, almost symbolic object attached to it. The contrast between life and death is immediate and striking, making this more than just a wildlife photo. What makes this image so impactful is its ambiguity. Is this the result of a past quarrel, a picked-up encounter, or just an accident? Whatever the cause, this photo is a vivid reminder of how unpredictable and often harsh life in the wild can be.