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Little did we know that there was an organization called The Mammal Society, let alone that they sponsor such a phenomenal photo competition each year (see some of the prizes offered to understand why so many people contribute).  We appreciate the acknowledgement that wild mammals are increasingly found in domesticated locations, which is not how it should be but here is what it looks like:

In 2012-2013 we ran the first Mammal Photographer of the Year competition for amateur photographers. Judges, including Kate MacRae, AKA “Wildlife Kate”, and photographer Steve Magennis are looking for images that tell a story, show rare behaviour, highlight mammals in a fragile environment, or make the ordinary extraordinary. The aim was to bring mammals into public focus, raising awareness of the issues they face, and hopefully encouraging us to appreciate the species that are often overlooked but essential to the health of our habitats.

Judge Kate MacRae has created an online gallery of all 2013 winners and finalists here:http://wildlifekate.moonfruit.com/#/mammal-society-results/4573736283

The Mammal Society’s full shortlist of 199 images can be viewed here, as well as the 16 winners and finalists.

Winning entries will also be published in the Summer (July) issue of Mammal News and will be exhibited at The Cranbrook Evening, Friday 19th April 2013, on the eve of The Mammal Society’s Annual Spring Conference at Exeter University. The exhibition is kindly sponsored by South West Water.

1st prize: A top of the range Spypoint HD10 Wildlife Camera worth £250!

2nd prize: A Cooley Wildlife Photography day, Ireland, inc 2 nights B&B, worth £150

3rd prize: £30 Wildlife Watching Supplies gift voucher

Under-18’s:  2x Bushnell 8×21 Binoculars worth £30

Members’ Prize

In addition to the above prizes, one Mammal Society member will receive aBushnell Trophy Cam worth £199 for the Best Members’ Image. Please mention your membership when submitting your photos.

5 Highly Commended Images will also WIN a copy of our Mammals of the British Isles Handbook.

Ts&Cs

• Mammals must have been photographed within the British Isles (including UK & Northern Ireland, Rubublic of Ireland, Channel Isl., Scottish Islands, Isle of Mann), and captive mammals must be labelled as such. Zoo animals can be submitted if taken in the British Isles and is relevant to the themes descirbed above.
• Up to 5 images are permitted per entrant, each up to 10Mb, and in the jpg or gif format.
• Entries from professional photographers (those whose main income is their photography) are not eligible to enter. Entries are not restricted to those living within the UK; however, the mammals must be photographed within the British Isles. Captive mammals must be described as such.
• By submitting an entry you give The Mammal Society permission to use it in its efforts to conserve mammals, such as on the website, on social media, in our training brochure etc. The entrant will always receive acknowledgement whenever their entry is used.
• Prizes are as stated; no  alternative can be offered.  Reasonable efforts will be made to contact winners. Prizes unclaimed within a reasonable time frame will be reallocated. The judges’ decision is final. The competition may be modified or withdrawn at any time.