‘Flying Rodent’ picture of lynx wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year award

It left them shutter shocked.

A surprising picture of a lynx enjoying with its prey beat out 60,636 entries to win the celebrated Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award this yr.

The prize-winning image, known as “Flying Rodent” — of an Iberian lynx standing together with his paw outstretched within the act of hanging a rodent earlier than consuming it — was taken by Austrian photographer Josef Stefan.

Stefan captured the fascinating picture — topped the winner by means of a vote of 85,000 folks worldwide — after having spent three days hiding in camouflage in Torre de Juan Abad in central Spain.

During his stakeout, the Iberian lynx, a species of medium-sized wild cats characterised by black tufted ears and noticed red-brown fur, made “brief appearances from time to time,” Stefan told CNN.

However, on the second day, the creature “suddenly appeared with a freshly caught rat in his mouth, lay down near me, and remained there attentively for a while,” he stated.

“He repeatedly tossed the rat into the air, skillfully caught it, and occupied himself with it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, he lost interest, grabbed the rat, and disappeared behind a bush, where he ate it.”

About 20 minutes later, the animal returned.

“Calmly, almost proudly, he walked past my hide and finally disappeared into the adjacent bushland,” Stefan added.

What makes the picture much more particular is the truth that the species of lynx — solely discovered on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe — was thought of one of many world’s most endangered mammals within the early 2000s.

However, by means of conservation efforts, together with a breeding program, its inhabitants elevated by 1,500% in 20 years.

“The Iberian lynx is a living symbol of hope, showing what can happen when we take responsibility, act consciously and focus our attention where it’s most needed,” Stefan told London’s Natural History Museum, which organizes the annual competitors.

“Winning this award and being able to platform this message is the highlight of my 30 years as a nature photographer.”