Norwegian photographer captures polar bear's curious stare on Arctic ice

Imagine standing alone on Arctic ice, watching a massive polar bear approach you with pure curiosity. This is exactly what Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen captured—and his image made it onto the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year shortlist for 2026.

Every year, a global competition celebrates the world's most talented wildlife photographers. Thousands of images flood in from every continent. Photographers risk their safety, travel to extreme environments, and wait for hours—sometimes days—to catch one perfect moment. The shortlist reveals only the best of the best: images that tell stories about animals, the natural world, and our place in it.

Rikardsen's polar bear photo is remarkable because it shows something both beautiful and unsettling. The bear looks directly at the camera with an almost gentle curiosity. You can see the intelligence in its eyes. Yet this is also a reminder that polar bears are wild animals—powerful, unpredictable, and increasingly affected by climate change and melting ice. The image captures more than just a pretty picture; it captures a moment of connection and concern all at once.

But the shortlist includes more than just dramatic predators. Another featured image shows a squirrel in an unexpectedly lucky moment—perhaps caught mid-leap or in a surprising situation that makes you smile and wonder how the photographer was even there to witness it. These photos reveal that nature is full of humor, drama, and incredible timing. Sometimes the most memorable shots come from patience and a little bit of luck.

What makes wildlife photography so compelling is that it teaches us. Each image is a window into a life very different from our own. We see creatures in their natural habitats, facing real challenges: finding food, raising young, surviving harsh weather. When we look at these photographs, we begin to understand and care more deeply about conservation. We recognize that animals are not just subjects for entertainment—they are beings with their own struggles and moments of grace.

The photographers on this shortlist have chosen to spend their lives pursuing these moments. They wake before dawn. They endure cold, heat, insects, and danger. They miss their families. And why? Because they believe the world needs to see these images. They believe that if we truly see wildlife—if we witness a polar bear's intelligence, a squirrel's agility, a bird's beauty—we will want to protect them.

Which animal moment would you most want to witness in person? Would you be brave enough to stand on that Arctic ice, or would you prefer to see the world through a photographer's lens?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.