WASHINGTON, D.C. –The National Wildlife Federation has announced the winners of its 2023 National Wildlife® Photo Contest. In its 52nd year, the annual contest received nearly 40,000 entries from more than 4,000 photographers, with winning photos highlighting the wonder and beauty of wildlife, plants, and the natural world.

Contest winners hailed from across the United States and around the world, including photographers from Germany, India, Kuwait, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, reminding us of the universal appeal of nature's wonders.

“These memorable images stay with us, fueling a love for wildlife and the world around us,” says Jennifer Wehunt, editorial director of National Wildlife magazine. “Whether it’s a family of bear cubs following their mother or a single endangered plover backlit by the sun, these photos remind us of what we are working to conserve for future generations.”

Lifelong professionals and avid amateurs alike, the photographers who enter their images display a love of nature and an appreciation of how photography can inspire people to care about wildlife and wild lands. By submitting their work, each photographer also supports the National Wildlife Federation’s effort to protect wildlife species and their habitats—a mission that’s more important today than ever before.

In addition to the grand prize—called the Nature’s Witness Award—the National Wildlife Federation announced first- and second-place awards in each of eight categories: Mammals, Birds, Baby Animals, Landscapes & Plants, People in Nature, Other Wildlife, Young Nature Photographers and Mobile. A single winner was also chosen in the Portfolio category. Entries for next year’s contest can be submitted beginning January 17.