The results are in: a photo featuring a squirrel in a tricky position has been crowned the champion of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024.

The winner, Italian photographer Milko Marchetti, was recognized for his “amazing shot of a red squirrel stuck in a tree” during the Awards Night held at Oxo Gallery in London on Tuesday.

The celebrated image, named “Stuck Squirrel,” was taken on April 23, 2022, at the Podere Pantaleone nature reserve in Bagnacavallo, Italy. While it looks like the squirrel is caught trying to enter a hole in the tree, Milko clarified that it’s actually just removing its hind legs as it goes in.

“I have snapped numerous photos of squirrels in different situations in Italy over the years, but this one made me laugh out loud. It perfectly captured the moment when the squirrel was pulling its back legs away from the tree trunk to slide into its hide,” Milko shared. “Whenever I show this picture at nature seminars in my photography club, the audience bursts into laughter, so I just had to submit it!”

Milko, an avid nature lover, expressed his disbelief that his submission made it to the shortlist and was overjoyed upon learning of his victory.

“When I received the call from Tom (Sullam, co-founder of CWPA) with the amazing news, I couldn’t help but shout ‘Wow, Wow, Wow’ multiple times while jumping for joy!” Milko recalled. “Seeing all the beautiful finalist photos, I never imagined I would be the winner. I am incredibly happy.”

This year’s competition received over 9,000 submissions from 98 countries, marking a record number for the event. A panel of judges shortlisted 40 individual photos, three videos, and four portfolio entries from which the winners were selected.

Established in 2015 by photographers and conservation advocates Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the competition strives to create a fun, free, and unique photography contest that showcases hilariously funny images of wildlife while raising awareness about conservation efforts.

As the overall winner, Milko earns a “once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in the Masai Mara, Kenya,” along with a handcrafted trophy from the Wonder Workshop in Tanzania and a photography bag from Think Tank.

Discover more winners from the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

Enjoy the amusing winning animal images from the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Insect Photo Award: Jose Miguel Gallego Molina for his delightful image of a Mantis Flamenca.

Reptile Photo Award: Eberhard Ehmke for his captivating photo of a frog inside a bubble.

Bird Photo Award: Damyan Petkov for his picture capturing a tern’s clumsy landing near its partner.

Fish and Aquatic Species Photo Award: Przemyslaw Jakubczyk for capturing a bald eagle being chased by a bream across the sky.

Affinity Photo 2 People’s Choice Award: Tapani Linnanmäki for his image titled ‘Shake Rattle, Ruffle and Roll’ featuring a white-tailed eagle.

Nikon Young Photographer Award (age 25 and under): Kingston Tam for his close-up shot of a frog with an amusing smile.

Nikon Junior Award (age 16 and under): Sarthak Ranganadhan for a charming photo of owlets kissing each other.

Portfolio Award: At just 10 years old, Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb is the youngest ever winner of this category, with a series of images showcasing a playful squirrel.

All winning and nominated photographs can be viewed online and at a physical exhibition at Gallery@Oxo in London from December 11 to 15.