Urban Coyote and Grieving Elephant Share Spotlight at 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards celebrated a striking contrast in its winning images. One entry captured a wily coyote navigating an urban landscape, while another showed an elephant solemnly bearing its dead calf on the savannah.
Judges praised both photographs for their storytelling power. The coyote image highlighted how wildlife adapts to city life, turning the animal into an unexpected urban icon. The elephant photograph, described as “heartbreaking,” reminded viewers that loss and vulnerability are universal, whether on concrete streets or dusty plains.
Together, the two winners illustrate the competition’s commitment to showcasing diverse narratives from the natural world and the pressing need to safeguard habitats across every environment.
