Every year the BC SPCA holds their "Wildlife-In-Focus" photography contest, where shutterbugs and nature watchers submit their best shots of beautiful animals around the province.
For its ninth year, the contest drew hundreds of submissions in two categories: Backyard Habitats and Wild Settings. Judges selected three winners in each category, plus a People's Choice category let the public have their say.
"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.
The competition raised $16,372 for wildlife in need at the BC SPCA's Wild ARC, which cares for more than 3,000 injured and orphaned wild animals a year.
Take a look at this year's stunning winners.
Backyard Habitats:
1st - Mike Woods, Victoria, Raccoons
Mike Woods/courtesy BC SPCA
2nd - Bev Butt, Quesnel, Calliope Hummingbird
Bev Butt/courtesy BC SPCA
3rd - Dmitry Varennikov, Vancouver, Elk
Dmitry Varennikov/courtesy BC SPCA
Wild Settings:
1st - Mike Walsh, Sooke, Harbour Seal
Imagerybyhip.com/courtesy BC SPCA
2nd - Colin Franks, North Saanich, Ruddy Duck
Colin Franks/courtesy BC SPCA
3rd - Mark D. Brett, Penticton, Hawk in Moonlight
Mark D. Brett/courtesy BC SPCA
People's Choice Award
People's Choice Award winner, Carolyn Matt from Vancouver
Carolyn Matt/courtesy BC SPCA
