The Best of Your Shot: Eight Awesome Animal Photos

Every day at National Geographic, our photo editors look through somewhere between 4,000 and 8,000 images that are uploaded to our photo community, Your Shot. Of those images, 12 are selected to shine in what we call the Daily Dozen. And from those photos, only one is chosen. And by chosen, I mean voted on by you, the community. That photo receives the Top Shot honor.

This month, I wanted to feature animal photos that have made Top Shot during July. But not because it’s rare for so many wildlife images to end up in the winning spot. Acutally, it’s the opposite. Wildlife photography is a staple of the Your Shot community. Your Shot editor Marie McGrory says Your Shot is “a very international community. They travel to see animals all around the world. They spend hours and days waiting for their subject to enter their frame. Like us at National Geographic, they care about animals, animal conservation, and giving a voice to our fellow species.” So feathers or fur, whatever you prefer, please enjoy this glimpse into the varied splendor of the animal kingdom. (And don’t forget that you can share your own images with the community by uploading to Your Shot!)

See more featured content from Your Shot on our Editors’ Spotlight, and be a part of our photo community—where you can upload images, participate in assignments, and even attend meetups—by joining Your Shot. And don’t forget to help your favorite image from the Daily Dozen become Top Shot by voting every weekday.