Amateur wildlife photographers in B.C. have once again made tough work for judges as the BC SPCA’s 11th annual Wildlife-In-Focus photography contest winners are announced. In addition, there were a number of incredible honourable mentions that celebrate the beauty in B.C.’s wild and urban environments. The People’s Choice Award was also determined as a result of public votes.
Participants competed in two categories: Backyard Habitats, in order to highlight our special relationship with wild animals in our backyards and Wild Settings, a category with images featuring animals in their natural habitats.
“With more than 580 photos submitted, it was a challenge for the contest judges to highlight only a few of the many amazing photos celebrating B.C.’s diverse wildlife,” says BC SPCA chief scientific officer Dr. Sara Dubois. “We want to thank all the participants for sharing their amazing photos and helping to raise over $16,800 for wild animals in need.”
The winners are:
Backyard Habitats
1st – Curtis Zutz, Oliver – Cedar waxwing
2nd – Patricia Irvine, Duncan – Raccoon
3rd – Jordan Blackstone, Qualicum Beach – Hummingbird
Wild Settings
1st – Elle Ambrosi, Prince George – Coyote
2nd – Maja Lakhani, Coquitlam – Black bears
3rd – Arsalan Butt, Surrey – Short-eared owl
People’s Choice Award
Michelle Obre, 150 Mile House – Lynx
First-place winners in both judged categories will be featured in the Spring 2020 AnimalSense magazine and the top three in each category will receive great prizes that may include gifts from Canadian Geographic, Canadian Art, Greystone Books, Lens & Shutter Vancouver, LUSH, the Lab Vancouver, NatureKids BC, Outdoor Photography Canada, SPUD.CA or a Wild ARC prize pack.
Check out the winners online at spca.bc.ca/wildlife-in-focus to view the incredible photos captured by amateur photographers across British Columbia.