“Squirrel in a Bind” Snags Top Prize at Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

An image capturing a squirrel stuck in a tree has won the top prize at this year’s Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

Photographer Milko Marchetti’s “Stuck Squirrel” stood out among over 9,000 submissions, the largest in the competition’s decade-long history. The image shows the squirrel in a humorous pose trying to enter its hide in a tree trunk, chosen from a shortlist of 45 finalists. The competition also announced winners in nine other categories.

Marchetti commented, “I’ve photographed squirrels in Italy for years, but this particular photo caught my attention for its humour and oddity. It always gets laughs at nature seminars, which inspired me to submit it.”

Stefan Maier, senior general manager of marketing at Nikon Europe, praised the winning photo, saying, “Marchetti’s shot wonderfully captures the spontaneous and whimsical moments nature offers.”

Other notable winners include Kingston Tam, who clinched the Nikon Young Photographer Award for his close-up of a smiling frog, and 10-year-old Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb, the youngest to win a category with his series on a rock-star squirrel.

Kevin Lohman’s footage of a red fox enjoying a frosty morning won the top prize in the video section.