Ice bed: Polar bear snooze wins photography prize

Nima Sarikhani's remarkable photograph, "Ice Bed," featuring a polar bear nestled on a tiny iceberg near Norway's Svalbard archipelago, has garnered widespread acclaim upon winning the Wildlife Photographer Of The Year People’s Choice Award. The image depicts a polar bear creatively crafting a sleeping spot on the precarious ice formation, sparking considerable conversation and admiration. Securing victory with an unprecedented 75,000 votes in the People’s Choice Award competition, Sarikhani's capture unfolded during a three-day expedition in dense fog off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.

Sea ice stands as a crucial habitat for polar bears, essential for hunting and resting, yet its diminishing presence in recent years due to climate change has become increasingly concerning. The photograph of the young polar bear fashioning a bed on such a diminutive piece of ice has evoked profound emotional responses, shedding light on the challenges faced by these majestic creatures. Dr. Jon Aars of the Norwegian Polar Bear Institute highlighted the dwindling period of sea ice over shallower waters, adversely affecting the bears' ability to sustain themselves year-round.

"The loss of sea ice also disrupts other facets of their existence," Dr. Aars explained. "Traditionally vital dens-building areas in the east now elude them, pushing the bears hundreds of kilometers closer to the north pole, where sea ice remains more stable."

Similar to other mammals, polar bear cubs depend on their mothers' milk for sustenance, but factors such as lengthy journeys, dwindling hunting opportunities, and denning challenges pose significant threats to their survival. Consequently, Sarikhani's photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of inaction in the face of environmental degradation, while also igniting hope for positive change.

"I am deeply honored to receive this year's People’s Choice award for WPY, the preeminent wildlife photography competition," Sarikhani expressed. "This image has elicited profound reactions from viewers, and I hope it serves as a catalyst for meaningful action."

As the developer and producer of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the Natural History Museum, London, continues to showcase the beauty and fragility of our natural world.