A nosy polar bear and a lucky squirrel: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 shortlist

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Science Desk

wildlife photographer (Wikidata P18) — Wikimedia Commons (Public domain). File: Wildlife Photographer.jpeg

File:Wildlife photographer captures wildlife.jpg — Photo: Hillebrand Steve, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

File:Wildlife Photographer Giles Laurent in a ghillie suit.jpg — Photo: Giles Laurent / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

File:048 Wildlife photographer in camouflage clothing Photo by Giles Laurent.jpg — Photo: Giles Laurent / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Eastern Japanese toads are typically found in forests, grasslands and other terrestrial habitats across eastern Japan, but they have also proved remarkably adaptable to urban environments. The orca repeatedly allowed the calf to sink before bringing it back to the surface, a difficult moment to watch but one that Aasen felt was important to record.

When he saw what he had captured, he said: "I was so extremely happy.

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When he saw what he had captured, he said: "I was so extremely happy.
Eastern Japanese toads are typically found in forests, grasslands and other terrestrial habitats across eastern Japan, but they have also proved remarkably adaptable to urban environments.
The orca repeatedly allowed the calf to sink before bringing it back to the surface, a difficult moment to watch but one that Aasen felt was important to record.

Sources

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