Ian Wood won for his badger photo taken in East Sussex. His image was chosen from 25 shortlisted photos from a global competition with 76,000 votes.
The photo shows a badger looking for food. Residents in St Leonards-on-Sea left food for foxes. Badgers from East Sussex also came to eat. Wood noticed this pattern.
He saw a badger near his wall one night. Wood built a small hide on the road. He captured the badger seeking food. A lamppost provided the only light.
Wood owns a Dorset farmhouse with land. He said winning felt humbling. He mentioned the “darker side” of the image. He wants badger culling in the UK to stop; it aims to control bovine tuberculosis.
He wants to enhance wildlife habitats. Badger culling has reduced their numbers. He fears badgers will only be in cities soon. He hopes his photo raises awareness to stop the badger cull.
Over 76,000 votes determined the winner. People worldwide voted in the contest. Four other photos also impressed voters and were also highly commended.
Francisco Negroni photographed a cloud over a volcano. Jess Findlay captured an owl leaving a barn. David Northall showed a honey badger eating a porcupine. Michel d’Oultremont photographed a stoat in Belgium.
The shortlist came from 60,000 entries this year for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Experts chose 100 winning photos earlier and announced them in October.
The museum director, Dr. Douglas Gurr, spoke. He said Wood’s photo showed nature interacting and how urban wildlife is important. The photo reminds us to appreciate local wildlife.
The five winning photos will be displayed. You can see them online and at the museum until June 29.