Spectacular Winning Photos from the 2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest

Grand Prize: Kathleen Borshanian

A powerful set of images can stop you in your tracks, reminding you of the planet’s untamed beauty.

That’s the essence captured by the 18 winning shots from the 2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest, each telling vivid stories of survival and wonder. The Grand Prize went to Kathleen Borshanian, who photographed a rare blue Arctic fox against the dramatic cliffs of St. George Island, Alaska. For decades, the National Wildlife Federation has amplified voices for conservation, and this contest remains one of its strongest platforms. The winners prove that nature continues to captivate, with the 2026 contest opening January 14 for the next wave of storytellers.

More: National Wildlife Photo Contest, Instagram

Baby Animals – First Place: Steffen Foerster

Baby Animals – Second Place: Robert Cook

Birds – First Place: Jack Zhi

Birds – Second Place: Ajay Kumar Singh

Landscapes & Plants – First Place: J. Fritz Rumpf

Landscapes & Plants – Second Place: Jason Mirandi

Mammals – First Place: Deena Sveinsson

Mammals – Second Place: Mark Panasuk

Mobile – First Place: Paige Rudolph

Mobile – Second Place: Jess Steggall

Other Wildlife – First Place: Massimo Giorgetta

Other Wildlife – Second Place: Remuna Beca

People in Nature – First Place: Mike Mezeul II

People in Nature – Second Place: Yhabril Moro

Young Nature Photographers – First Place: Leo Dale

Young Nature Photographers – First Place: Jasper Jonnalagadda

Portfolio – 1st Place: Zhengze Xu