Photographers across British Columbia put their skills to the test capturing some of natureB次元官网网址檚 most intriguing wildlife across the province for the BC SPCAB次元官网网址檚 11th annual Wildlife-In-Focus contest.
The non-profit organization announced the winners of the contest on Wednesday morning, which included two categories B次元官网网址� photos of animals taken in backyard habitats and those taken in wilderness settings.
READ MORE:
While 640 photos were submitted to judges during the contest, only six candidates made it out on top.
In the backyard habitat category, Oliver resident Curtis ZutzB次元官网网址檚 picture of a cedar waxwing eating a bright red berry got him first place. Patricia Irvine from Duncan was runner-up with her photo of a raccoon and Jordan Blackstone from Qualicum Beach took bronze with a picture of a hummingbird gazing at flora and fauna while in flight.
In the wilderness settings category, Prince George resident Elle AmbrosiB次元官网网址檚 picture of a coyote galloping in freshly fallen snow took the top spot.
Coquitlam resident Maja Lakhani finished second with a photo of two bears snatching berries from a tree and Arsalan Butt from Surrey rounded out the top three after snapping a short-eared owl staring gallantly at its prey during a snowfall.
In other mentions, 150 Mile House resident Michelle ObreB次元官网网址檚 photo of a lynx won the peopleB次元官网网址檚 choice award after receiving the most public votes in the bonus category.
BC SPCA chief scientific officer Dr. Sara Dubois said both the contest and fundraiser this year were a success.
B次元官网网址淲ith more than 640 photos submitted, it was a challenge for the contest judges to highlight only a few of the many amazing photos celebrating B.C.B次元官网网址檚 diverse wildlife,B次元官网网址� said Dubois.
B次元官网网址淲e want to thank all the participants for sharing their amazing photos and helping to raise over $16,800 for wild animals in need.B次元官网网址�
Erin Ryan, research communications analyst for BC SPCA, said the annual event benefits multiple parties.
B次元官网网址淭his contest is great because it allows us to use these photos in our education initiatives and it also helps us to raise funds for our BC SPA rehabilitation centre on Vancouver Island.B次元官网网址�
First-place winners will now be featured in the Spring 2019 AnimalSense magazine and other medalists will receive gifts from Canadian Geographic, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum and other suppliers.
Next yearB次元官网网址檚 contest will open on July 1.
connor.trembley@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
