Urban animals

As landscapes change, so do animals. They venture into towns and cities in search of food and shelter, braving the noise and crowds. Pigeons nest on top of your local corner shop, while foxes play in a nearby alley. They're part of urban life, and this is your chance to show how animals live among us. But we're not just looking for wildlife photos – you could show pets in an urban world or animals at a city farm.

The brief

This category is all about location. Not all animals live in country meadows or woodland, or even large gardens. We want you to show us how animals in our towns and cities have adapted to a world built by humans. To do this, you'll need to show your animal subject with something human-made. It could be pavements, buildings, railings, traffic lights, or anything else you spot as you take photos.

Your urban image can be dramatic, artistic, funny or awe-inspiring. But it needs to get us thinking about how animals have adapted to living among us.

Examples of great shots

You can submit photos in any format – portrait or landscape, or even square! Check out all of the winners from last year for more inspiration.

Getting started

We'll be looking for an urban element in every photo in this category, so think about how to make this stand out alongside your animal subject. You could show a fox against a graffiti-covered wall, birds sheltering in – or swooping around – buildings, or squirrels using our urban environment as an obstacle course. We want to see positive images that show animals safely sharing our built-up spaces.

Dawn and dusk are great times for spotting urban wildlife, as they're a good time for animals to search for food. But it's important not to disturb animals in nests and dens – and be extra careful when there are young around. 

When you're out and about trying to get the perfect shot, don't ever put your safety at risk.

Entering the competition

Remember to include a description of your photo, in 80 words or fewer. Tell us where you took the photo, why you took it, and give any details you think are interesting or tell the photo's story.

Read the full rules and terms and conditions before you enter and check out the prizes.

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