A photo of a squirrel seemingly stuck in a tree trunk has won the top prize at the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. Taken by Milko Marchetti, the image, titled Stuck Squirrel, was selected from over 9,000 entries, marking a record-breaking year for submissions in the competition’s 10-year history.
Award-Winning Image Celebrates Nature’s Humor
Marchetti’s photograph captures the amusing moment when a red squirrel, mid-leap, appears hilariously stuck as it enters its hide. “I’ve photographed squirrels in many situations over the years, but this one stood out because of the odd position,” Marchetti said. “Whenever I share it, it never fails to make people laugh.”
Judging and Other Category Winners
A panel of judges narrowed down the entries to 45 finalists before selecting the overall winner and nine category champions. Among the category winners were:
- Kingston Tam, who won the Nikon Young Photographer Award with a close-up of a smiling frog.
- Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb, a 10-year-old who became the youngest Portfolio category winner with his series featuring a “rock star” squirrel.
- Kevin Lohman, who claimed the Video category prize for footage of a red fox joyfully zooming across frosty grass.
Recognizing the Playful Side of Wildlife
Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe’s senior marketing manager, praised Marchetti’s image for capturing “the playful and unpredictable moments that make nature so enchanting.”
A Legacy of Humor in Wildlife Photography
Last year’s winner, Jason Moore, captured a female western gray kangaroo striking a playful air guitar pose in a wildflower field near Perth, Australia.
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards continue to celebrate the lighter side of nature, combining artistry and humor to showcase the joy and unpredictability of wildlife.
