SPCA announces winners of its annual photography contest

From black bear families to a praying racoon, BC SPCA has announced the winners of the 11th annual Wildlife-In-Focus photography contest.

In addition, there are a number of incredible honourable mentions that celebrate the beauty in B.C.’s wild and urban environments.

The contest raised more than $16,800 for wildlife in need at the BC SPCA’s Wild ARC, which cares for more than 2,800 injured and orphaned wild animals a year.

Participants competed in two categories: Backyard Habitats, in order to highlight our special relationship with wild animals in our backyards and Wild Settings, a category with images featuring animals in their natural habitats.

“With more than 640 photos submitted, it was a challenge for the contest judges to highlight only a few of the many amazing photos celebrating B.C.’s diverse wildlife,” says BC SPCA chief scientific officer Dr. Sara Dubois. “We want to thank all the participants for sharing their amazing photos and helping to raise over $16,800 for wild animals in need.”

The winners for Backyard Habitats are:

1st – Curtis Zutz, Oliver – Cedar waxwing

2nd – Patricia Irvine, Duncan – Raccoon

3rd – Jordan Blackstone, Qualicum Beach – Hummingbird

The winners for Wild Settings are:

1st – Elle Ambrosi, Prince George – Coyote

2nd – Maja Lakhani, Coquitlam – Black bears

3rd – Arsalan Butt, Surrey – Short-eared owl

People’s Choice Award

Michelle Obre, 150 Mile House – Lynx

First-place winners in both judged categories will be featured in the Spring 2019 AnimalSense magazine and the top three in each category will receive great prizes that may include gifts from Beau Photo Supplies, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Canadian Geographic, Jukebox Print, LUSH, the Lab Vancouver, or a Wild ARC prize pack.