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