A Canadian doctor, who captured a gruesome yet striking scene, has been named this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Don Gutoski, a Canadian physician and amateur photographer from London, Ontario, received the title of winner in the annual international photography competition presented by the United Kingdom’s Natural History Museum in London.
Gutoski, honored by the prize, told the Museum that he was “more than overwhelmed.” Photographing in -30 C weather, Gutoski captured his award-winning photograph “A Tale of Two Foxes” depicting a compelling scene that tells a grisly story.
Gutoski said. “I first noticed the red fox hunting and interacting with some prey and on closer approach realized that prey was a white Arctic fox…. By the time I got close enough to capture the event, the fight was over and the victor was feeding. I took a number of pictures of the event, until the red fox had eaten its fill, and picked up the remains to find a hiding spot for a later meal.”
The photograph depicts foxes in Wapusk National Park at Cape Churchill, Manitoba. The park’s location marks the intersection of the red and Arctic fox population. The beautiful yet grim photograph impressed the Museum’s panel of judges with its arresting story of survival. “A Tale of Two Foxes” placed first more than 42,000 other entries hailing from a total of 96 countries. The competitions other winners in 18 sub-categories were also announced Wednesday night at a ceremony held at the Natural History Museum in London.
Fighting ruffs. Two male ruffs fight for territory and the attention of females. © Ondrej Pelánek
