California squirrel’s flying attack is finalist in national wildlife photo competition
A photograph by Kevin Lohman capturing a squirrel mid-air while attacking a baby owl in Santa Cruz is a finalist in the 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The image is among 56 shortlisted entries selected from more than 10,000 submissions sent by photographers across 112 countries. Other finalists include a leopard performing a handstand, a caiman wearing a wig, and a polar bear appearing to converse with a gull. The competition highlights humorous animal behavior through a global lens.
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- ✓ The 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards received more than 10,000 entries from 112 countries.
- ✓ A total of 56 photos were shortlisted as finalists for the 2026 competition.
- ✓ Kevin Lohman's photo of a squirrel attacking a baby owl in Santa Cruz is a finalist.
What changed
The 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards revealed 56 finalists from over 10,000 global entries.
Live updates
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California Squirrel's Attack on Owl Named Finalist in 2026 Comedy Wildlife Awards
A photograph by Kevin Lohman capturing a squirrel mid-air while attacking a baby owl in Santa Cruz is a finalist in the 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The image is among 56 shortlisted entries selected from more than 10,000 submissions sent by photographers across 112 countries. Other finalists include a leopard performing a handstand, a caiman wearing a wig, and a polar bear appearing to converse with a gull. The competition highlights humorous animal behavior through a global lens.
Why it matters
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards use humor to showcase nature. The 2026 event saw its largest entry volume to date. Public voting is currently open to determine the winners from the shortlist.
What is confirmed
- The 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards received more than 10,000 entries from 112 countries.
- A total of 56 photos were shortlisted as finalists for the 2026 competition.
- Kevin Lohman's photo of a squirrel attacking a baby owl in Santa Cruz is a finalist.
What to watch next
- Announcement of the top prize winner
- Results of the public voting process
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (13)
- USA Today — These hilarious wildlife photos prove nature has a sense of humor
- popsci.com — 18 hilarious photos from the 2026 Comedy Wildlife Awards
- New York Post — California squirrel’s flying attack is finalist in national wildlife photo competition
- www.thisiscolossal.com — Wild Hijinx and Hilarious Happenstance Reign in the 2026 ...
- www.upworthy.com — 17 of the funniest finalists in the 2026 Nikon Comedy ...
- theguardian.com — Comedy wildlife photography award finalists 2026 – in pictures
- BBC — Yoga bears to resting owl face: 10 of the funniest animal photos of 2026
- flipboard.com — California squirrel’s flying attack is finalist in national wildlife photo competition
- www.yahoo.com — California squirrel’s flying attack is finalist in national ...
- www.thenationalnews.com — Angry bird, cowardly lion: Funniest finalists revealed at ...
- www.photographytalk.com — Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026: 56 Finalists Revealed
- www.theguardian.com — Comedy wildlife photography award finalists 2026 – in ...
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