Photographers from Kelowna, Peachland and West Kelowna have earned top honours in the B.C. SPCA’s annual Wildlife-in-Focus photography contest.
Three Central Okanagan photographers were among the winners announced Oct. 9, with more than 450 photographs submitted from across British Columbia.
Kelowna photographer Alan Milnes claimed first place in the Wild Settings category for his photograph of a killer whale.
Cian Cain of Peachland placed third in the same category for an image of a white-crowned sparrow, while West Kelowna photographer Kim Edwards received the People’s Choice Award for a photograph of a great horned owl.
The 18th annual competition featured two categories: Backyard Habitats, highlighting wildlife in residential areas, and Wild Settings, showcasing animals in their natural environments.
Cranbrook photographer Martin Ross took second place in the Wild Settings category for his photograph of sea otters.
In the Backyard Habitats category, Heather Rolling of Fort St. John claimed first place with a photograph of a fox. Peter Cortes of Victoria placed second for an image of bald eagles, while Sam Gorick of Mill Bay finished third for a photograph of raccoons.
West Kelowna photographer Kieran Skerlec also received an honourable mention for an image of bald eagles.
The competition raised more than $9,400 to support the B.C. SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre, which cares for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife.
“More than 450 photos were submitted celebrating B.C.’s diverse wildlife and supporting our advocacy for wild animals,” said Hailey Boehner, the B.C. SPCA’s wild animal welfare specialist.
“Our team thanks all the participants for sharing their amazing photos of B.C.’s incredible wildlife and helping to raise over $9,400 to help the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre care for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals.”
The winning photographs, including those from Kelowna, Peachland and West Kelowna, will be featured on a limited-edition Wildlife-in-Focus trail mug.
Selected winning images and honourable mentions will also appear on a new collection of wildlife greeting cards.
The photographs can be viewed on the Wildlife-in-Focus contest website, with merchandise available through the B.C. SPCA’s online store.
