The Most Hilarious Wildlife Photos of the Year

On Tuesday, the winners of the 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Contest were revealed.

The photographs showcase animals in the wild caught in humorously unusual positions, highlighting both the creativity and technique of the photographers.

In a massive selection process, 40 finalists were picked from a pool of 9,000 submissions spanning 98 different nations. Judges chose top photos in categories for mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and marine life, alongside ten images that received special recognition and an overall victor. The public also had their say, choosing a fan-favorite for the People's Choice award.

The contest supports the efforts of the Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK-based charity offering grants for wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives.

Delve into the year's most amusing wildlife photos. Captions by the photographers have been succinctly adapted for easy reading.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Going for a Spin' by Alexander Fine

After a short rest, a mother brown bear wanted to take a stroll but her young were eager for a piggyback ride, according to Fine.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Hide and Seek' by Alexander Fine

Fine captured an image of a blenny fish curiously peering out from its coral home.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Hello Nature!' by Alexander Pansier

Pansier noted the challenge of capturing a speedy ant, but with a flashlight's assistance, he managed to freeze its quick movements in his shot.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Bear Hugs' by Andrea Rosado

Rosado's image features a pair of bears in a warm embrace in Sitka, Alaska.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Madagascar's Next Cricket Star' by Andy Rouse

Rouse captured a dancing sifaka in Madagascar, humorously noting how its outstretched limbs mimicked a cricket bowler's pose.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Meditative Otter' by Charles Janson

While kayaking, Janson's camera caught a sea otter peacefully floating on its back and preening, reminiscent of a meditating guru.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Paws Together' by Christine Haines

Haines amusingly observed how otters, when eating, position their paws as if in prayer.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Monday Blues' by Christopher Arnold

Arnold captured a self-grooming nutria from a canoe, highlighting its meticulous upkeep.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Surprise Shower' by Corentin Revel

Revel's image shows a doe dropping a leafy branch for a surprise shower while trying to reach for high leaves.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Owlay Singing' by Fred Amico

Amico describes seeing a burrowing owl whose open beak on screen looked as if it was passionately singing.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Playful Seal Smile' by Gabriel Rojo

Rojo observed these hefty seals engaging in playful sparring to maintain harmony within their group.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Coming in Hot!' by Inés Godínez

In Godínez's photo, a razorbill clumsily attempts to land while its companions look on.

Noteworthy Entry: 'Seal Chucklers' by Ingo Hamann

Hamann's photo of a seal pup appears as if it's reacting to a hearty laugh.

General and Special Mentions

Other notable entries include a squirrel caught in a laugh-inducing predicament by Milko Marchetti, which earned the overall prize; a whimsical scene featuring a penguin cooling off by Zikri Teo; and an eagle in a feathery ruffle taken by Tapani Linnanmäki, winning the People's Choice.

The blend of humor and wildlife conservation makes the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards a unique celebration of nature seen through a playful lens.