The Wildlife Photographer of the year People’s Choice Award for 2026 was won by a powerful image of an Iberian young lynx.
This photo by Austrian Photographer Josef Stefan, entitled Flying Rodent quickly gained popularity amongst nature enthusiasts worldwide.
Stefan captured the photo during a trip of two weeks to Torre de Juan Abad, in Spain’s Ciudad Real.
He spent days in the hide waiting for a moment that was rare and captivating.
A Rare Hunting Moment Captured
Stefan said that the movements made the mouse look like it was in flight.
When the lynx stopped being interested, it ended in silence.
The lynx ate the prey out of view, after carrying it behind a bush.
Iberian Lynx – From Near Extinction To Recovery
Iberian Lynxes are among the most rare wildcats on the planet.
The population of the sandhill crane has grown from a few hundred to more than 2,000 thanks to conservation efforts and reintroduction.
Record Votes and Recognition Globally
The competition was a record-breaker, as 85,917 wildlife enthusiasts from around the world voted.
The Natural History Museum, London will display all selected images online until the 12th of July 2026.
The Finalists’ Other Amazing Images
Polar Bear Family Relaxing
Polar bears are struggling to hunt as the sea ice is shrinking, but some have shown signs of adaptation.
The Flamingos of an Industrial Landscape
Alexandre Brisson captured lesser flamingos under the power lines in Walvis Bay at sunset. The contrast of nature with industry was enhanced by two birds in flight.
Bear Cubs on the Road
Will Nicholls caught two cubs playing together in Jasper National Park (Canada). These moments are very rare as the mothers tend to hide their cubs.
Deer’s Hardy Survival Story
Kohei Ngira captured a dramatic scene of the sika deer carrying a rival’s head after an argument in Japan.
Photographing Wildlife That Tells A Story
The images show both the beauty of the natural world and its harsh realities. The photographs offer a look into the world of the wild animals, and their challenges.
