Shadows and Secrets: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Shortlist Unveiled

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 shortlist, announced ahead of the Oct. 13, 2026 winners, features a diverse set of highly commended images across categories such as Animal Portraits, Behaviour and Urban Wildlife. Highlights include Audun Rikardsen’s Icy Window with a polar bear peering into a seal’s breathing hole, plus works from photographers worldwide across arctic, marine, urban and exotic habitats. The competition, produced by the Natural History Museum in London, culminates in an exhibition opening Oct 16, 2026. The piece underscores wildlife behavior and conservation themes reflected in images ranging from polar bears to city-dwelling animals.