Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Andrew Harrington (United Kingdom)

Wolf patrol at ease

Ethiopian wolves have virtually identical cream-on-rust coat patterns, which makes life difficult for wildlife researchers trying to identify individuals in the remaining packs of these highly endangered canids. Even after three weeks photographing this trio in the Bale Highlands, Andrew couldn't tell them apart. The way the wolves' bodies are turned towards each other, though, speaks volumes about their strong social bonds. Alert but relaxed, they were taking a break from their dawn patrol to watch the Land Cruiser Andrew had hired, which had become stuck in a bog. Andrew took advantage of their curiosity to take a shot showing the wolves blending into their habitat, while at the same time revealing their striking cream markings. As soon as the Land Cruiser moved away, the wolves trotted off in separate directions to hunt alone, fox-like, for rodents.

Nikon F5 with 500mm lens; 1/125 sec at f4; Fujichrome Provia 100.