The People Have Spoken: Winner of Prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award Introduced

A photograph of a lynx in Spain taking part in with its meals has received the celebrated Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026.

Following a record-breaking 85,917 votes, Austrian photographer Josef Stefan got here out on high for his picture taken in Torre de Juan Abad throughout a two-week stint observing lynx from a disguise.

His profitable picture depicts a younger lynx playfully throwing a rodent into the air earlier than killing and devouring it, which is frequent conduct for the species. The complete recreation lasted 20 minutes earlier than the lynx received bored, then took the rodent behind a bush to eat it.

‘Flying Rodent’ secured the highest spot in opposition to 23 different shortlisted images, all chosen from 60,636 entries from 113 nations and territories. The shortlist was chosen by a world judging panel of images, wildlife, conservation, and science consultants, in addition to the Natural History Museum, London.

The winners of the primary competitors have been introduced again within the Fall.

Highly Commended

The 4 ‘highly commended’ photos that additionally impressed wildlife lovers throughout the globe embrace a bunch of flamingos standing out in opposition to a stark industrial backdrop of energy traces in Walvis Bay, Namibia, by Alexandre Brisson and a mom polar bear and her three cubs pausing peacefully in the summertime warmth on the Hudson Bay coast, Canada, by Christopher Paetkau.

Also extremely recommended is Will Nicholls’ picture of a silhouetted pair of younger bear cubs rearing up and play-fighting in the course of a quiet highway in Jasper National Park, Canada, and Kohei Nagira’s {photograph} of a sika deer carrying the interlocked severed head of a rival male that had died after their battle.

“It’s been wonderful to see all the votes coming in to choose the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum. Whether showcasing fascinating behaviour or platforming a powerful story, this year’s selection of images was truly exceptional. Thank you to everyone who voted!” says Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, London.

The winner and 4 runners-up will likely be showcased on the voting screens within the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London, till the exhibition closes on Sunday 12 July 2026. ‘Flying Rodent’ can even be featured on the gallery wall alongside the profitable photos in the primary competitors.