A nosy polar bear and a lucky squirrel: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 shortlist
Summary
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 competition has revealed its shortlist, featuring striking animal photos from around the world. A notable entry is a photo taken underwater in the Arctic that shows a polar bear looking down into a seal’s breathing hole, captured by Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen.Key Facts
- The photo "Icy Window" was taken by Audun Rikardsen under the ice in the Arctic with a camera placed near a seal’s breathing hole.
- A female polar bear approached the hole, creating a rare wildlife moment captured on camera.
- Rikardsen waited eight hours to retrieve the camera and review the photos.
- Rikardsen has won two previous awards in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
- The competition’s overall winners will be announced on October 13, 2026.
- An exhibition of the winning and commended photos will open at the Natural History Museum in London on October 16, 2026.
- Other shortlisted photos include a young UK photographer’s image of birds in London and a Japanese photographer’s picture of an urban toad.
- The competition showcases wildlife from different countries and various animal behaviors and environments.
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