Your backyard nature shots, and amazing captures from hiking and camping trips have a chance to be spotlighted in the Wildlife In Focus photography contest. 

For the 16th year, the BC SPCA is inviting amateur photographers, aged 14 and up, to submit their best shots. 

Photo credit: Andrew Harnden

From July 2 through 22, enter as many times as you like with no fee. The animal welfare organization wants to see everything from owls, eagles, foxes, bees and more.

“Wildlife-in-Focus celebrates the incredible variety of wild animals who call BC home,” says BC SPCA wild animal welfare specialist Nadia Xenakis. 

“It is also a great opportunity for British Columbians to showcase engaging with natural spaces in an ethical and responsible way, all while helping wild animals at Wild ARC.” 

Photo credit: Anabelle Wee

Previous contest entries have been featured in the BC SPCA’s AnimalSense and Bark! magazines, BC SPCA educational materials, local newspapers, websites and across social media. 

Prizes will be awarded for the top three photos, as determined by the judges, in each of two categories: Wild Settings and Backyard Habitats. 

There is also a donate-to-vote option for a People’s Choice Award. 

Photo credit: June Szasz

The 12 photos with the most votes and the top 3 from each  category will be featured in a limited-edition Wildlife-in-Focus pack of greeting cards and have the chance to be featured on a limited edition tote bag.
 
In 2023, Wildlife-in-Focus raised more than $10,000 for the specialized diets, treatment, blankets, and other supplies necessary to support the rehabilitation of wild animals at BC SPCA’s Wild ARC.

Over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals are cared for at Wild ARC each year. 

All wildlife photos submitted to the contest must be taken within BC and submitted digitally. 

“Wildlife” includes free-living birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects, but not exotic, feral, or domestic animals, or wildlife in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, or rehabilitation facilities. 

For more information on the contest, click here.