A polar bear playfully picks up a stick in the waters of Svalbard, Norway. It is a moment of lightness for an animal that is better known for their impressive dispositions. Photographer Tom Nickels looked at the scene of a safe distance on a boat and broke a fascinating image (above) of the moment.
Nickels’s photo took gold in the Behavior-Mammals category on the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards. This year’s competition drew thousands of entries from 48 countries that include six continents.
“Lenuk Tasi” Olive Ridley Sea Turtle in Kasait, Timor Leste Gold, underwater “This image records a moving moment when a young Olive Ridley Sea Turtle starts his delicate trip to the vast open ocean in Kasait, Timor Leste. Sea turtles, known in the local language Tetum as ‘Lenuk Tasi’, return to the beaches where they once came to lay their own eggs. Unfortunately, these fragile nests are confronted with countless threats, from natural predators to human activities. But even if Hatchlings reach the ocean, only one estimated one in 1,000 to 10,000 to adulthood. This image was made possible by the Turtle Conservation Group called ‘Lenuk Tasi’, led by Marine Science Students from Dili, whose dedication helps to protect these incredible beings. “ Credit: Daniel Flormann / World Nature Photographer Awards Daniel Flormann
Maruša Puhek of Slovenia achieved the highest honor for a grim image (below) of deer sprinting through a snowy vineyard.
“Loop” Gold, Natural Art and Overall winner “This photo was part of my 366 project, when I made one image every day and my camera wore everywhere. It was a snowy day and I only had a wide -angle lens when I saw two deer running through the snowy vineyard. I took a few photos, frustrated that I didn’t have a telephoto lens with me. Only later, while editing, did I realize how happy I was; The scene was not overly zoomed in, so that the snowy environment could remain an essential part of the composition. “ Credit: Maruša Puhek / World Nature Photographer Awards Marusa Puhek
“As always, it is such a sensation to witness the amazing caliber of submissions in the prizes,” said Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of the WNPAs. “Seeing these images cannot fail to motivate someone to do everything to protect this fragile planet from ours. We offer our sincere congratulations to all winners.”
Breakthroughs, discoveries and do -ing -self -tips sent every weekday.
“Might as well jump” A fox in Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada. Bronze, animal behavior Credit: Donna Feldichuk / World Nature Photographer Awards Donna Feledichuk“Hippos Fight in Golden Light” Male hippos in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. Silver, animal behavior Credit: Jonathan Hodgetts / World Nature Photographer Awards“Enchanted Duo” Laterflies in Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia. Gold, animal portraits “This fascinating macro photo shows two brilliant colored lantern flies, decorated their bodies with a symphony of lively vegetables, oranges and yellow. On the structured bark of a tree, these insects seem to glow against the dark background. “ Credit: Khaichuin SIM / World Nature Photographer Awards Khaichuin Sim“The Safari Beauty” Guinea chicken in Tanzania Bronze, animal portraits Credit: Nar Shun Victor Wong / World Nature Photographer Awards“Those who dare” Female Agama -HAGEDIS in Serengeti, Tanzania Silver, behavior – amphibians and reptiles Credit: Jules Oldroyd / World Nature Photographer Awards“Don’t worry, be happy” Namib Sand Gecko in Walvis Bay, Namibia Bronze, behavior – amphibians and reptiles Credit: Marti Phillips / World Nature Photographer Awards Marti Phillips“A sword in the chest” Two white-wanging terns on the island of Kubbar, Kuwait Bronze, Behavior – Birds Credit: Mohammad Murad / World Nature Photographer Awards“Powerless” Rover is flying in Belgium Gold, behavior – invertebrate animals “Sometimes the most compelling stories unfold in the background, away from where our focus is initially. I photographed another subject in the garden in Belgium when I saw a robbers from the corner of my eye. In the neighborhood, a spider lurking ominously lurking and I couldn’t help it, but I wondered – what if the spider was slumped in his web? Intriged, I decided to stay and look. The next 30 minutes I observed the silent drama of nature. The spider finally made its movement and I captured the moment. ‘ Credit: Niki Colemont / World Nature Photographer Awards“The Fellowship” Sea turtle in Abu Dabbab, Egypt Silver, underwater Credit: Sina Ritter / World Nature Photographer Awards“Feed resilience” Gold, urban animals in the wild Male Pin-Staart Whydah in Mandinari, Gambia “In the most unlikely places, where the grit of human industry meets the grace of nature, there is a story of resilience and coexistence. This image records the striking contrast between a colossal fuel depot in Mandinari, Gambia, and a male Pin-Tailed Whydah in full breeding more. During a trip in October this moment is particularly special, because the bird will soon undergo transformation into a more brown, boring plumage. During the breeding season, coinciding with the rainy season in West -Africa, I enjoy capturing this kind of photography to illustrate the relationship between humanity and nature. Gambia has a special place in my heart, while I make two trips a year there. I would like this image to make contact with people and encourage them to explore birds in Gambia, stimulating ecotourism in this beautiful region. “ Credit: Benjamin Smail / World Nature Photographer Awards Benjamin Smail“Critical moment” Silver, urban animals in the wild Great Gray Owl in California, USA Credit: Elizabeth Yicheng Shen / World Nature Photographer Awards Elizabeth Yicheng Shen
More Deals, Reviews and Purchase Guides
The POPSCI team has tested hundreds of products and spent thousands of hours finding the best equipment and gadgets that you can buy.
Stay informed with our comprehensive general news site, covering breaking news, politics, entertainment, technology, and more. Get timely updates, in-depth analysis, and insightful articles to keep you engaged and knowledgeable about the world’s latest events.
