The works of two Greater Victoria photographers are just a few of the submissions in this year’s BC SPCA Wildlife-in-Focus – a contest that, since 2008, has offered folks an opportunity to have their shots ranked by a panel of judges and publicized.
Sandra Bowie snapped a picture of two raccoons playing in a Sooke forest, while Julia Thompson took a shot of a fawn standing in a field in Victoria. These are among almost 200 entries.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three photos, as determined by the judges, in each of two categories: Wild Settings and Backyard Habitats.
Previous entries have been featured in the BC SPCA’s AnimalSense and Bark! magazines, BC SPCA educational materials, local newspapers, websites and social media.
“Wildlife-in-Focus builds community by appreciating and living in coexistence with the wildlife around us and supporting our local wildlife photographers to lead the way in ethical wildlife photography and engaging with the natural world responsibly,” BC SPCA wild animal-welfare specialist Nadia Xenakis said in a news release. “It’s a great reminder that wild animals are part of our communities, not separate from them.”
The public can vote to determine a People’s Choice Award winner. The top-three images with the most votes and the top-three from each category will be featured on a limited-edition Wildlife-in-Focus hot-beverage thermos – available for purchase after the contest closes.
People’s Choice Award votes raise much needed funds to support injured, orphaned and sick wild animals receiving care at BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre. Every dollar donated is worth one vote. In 2024, Wildlife-in-Focus raised more than $7,000.
The contest runs until July 22.
To view the entries, visit: gogophotocontest.com/bc-spca-wildlife-in-focus.
