2012 National Wildlife Photo Contest Winners Gallery

The winning images from "National Wildlife" magazine's 42nd annual photography competition

The National Wildlife Photo Contest is now in its fourth decade, but entries to the competition continue to surprise the magazine’s editors. Chosen from more than 28,000 images in seven categories, this year’s winners include photos of some truly unexpected animal behaviors: Thousands of salmon encircle a grizzly just beyond the bear’s reach, a seal “plays” with a penguin before eating the prey and a hummingbird attacks an “intruder” that’s actually its own reflection. Other images depict better-known behaviors that are presented in ways we’ve not seen before: A pair of hawks, talon-to-talon, battle in midair and migratory salmon approach a photographer head-on at sunset.

Learn more about how to enter the 2013 National Wildlife Photo Contest >>

Want More Nature Photography?

• Show off your nature and wildlife photography in this year's contest!

• Visit our photography tips center to get advice from the pros.

• View this year's entries and vote for your favorite photos

See the amazing photos and
enter your own in the 2013 
National Wildlife Photo Contest!