BC SPCA brings back annual ‘Wildlife-in-Focus’ photography contest

The BC SPCA’s always-popular Wildlife-in-Focus photography contest is back for its 18th year. 

With submissions now open, amateur photographers aged 14 and older can now submit their images of wildlife taken in BC up until Thursday July 23rd. 

There is no entry fee for this contest, and photographers can enter as many photos as they like.

“Wildlife-in-Focus brings together communities across BC to celebrate wildlife through beautiful imagery and support injured, orphaned and sick wild animals receiving care at the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC),” said Hailey Boehner, wild animal welfare specialist with Wild ARC.

“It is also a great opportunity for British Columbians to showcase engaging with natural spaces in an ethical and responsible way, all while supporting our care of and advocacy for wild animals across the province.”

Previous winners of the contest have seen their entries featured in the BC SPCA’s WildSense e-newsletter, AnimalSense and Bark! magazines, educational materials, local newspapers, websites and social media. Winners’ photos will also be featured in a mystery limited-edition product. 

In addition to the winning photos being celebrated across multiple platforms, there will be prizes awarded for the top three photos, as determined by the judges, in each of two categories: Wild Settings and Backyard Habitats.  

There will also be a People’s Choice award, for which viewers will be invited to donate to vote. 

Last year, the Wildlife-in-Focus contest raised more than $4,000 for the rehabilitation of wild animals at Wild ARC through medical treatment and the specialized diets the animals required. 

According to BC SPCA, over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals are cared for at Wild ARC every year. 

Wild ARC helps animals of all sizes and species, from tiny hummingbirds to bald eagles and great blue herons, as well as squirrels, deer fawns and the occasional reptile or amphibian.

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

What the BC SPCA considers as wildlife does not include exotic, feral animals, domestic animals, wildlife in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries or rehabilitation facilities.

For more information on the contest, how to enter, view or vote for photos, visit the Wildlife-in-Focus webpage. 

See some past winners below: