The year's funniest animal photos are taking over social media again: the contest that makes us laugh and protect nature

Every autumn, social media fills up with images of animals caught in unexpected moments: a bear that seems to be waving, a bird that looks like it's belting out an opera, or a fox stuck in the snow in the most comical way possible. Many of them come from the same place: the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, a nature photography competition devoted entirely to humor.

A contest created to make people smile

The competition was founded in 2015 by two photographers, Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, who wanted to show the funnier side of wildlife. Since then, it has received thousands of photos from around the world every year. A panel of judges picks the finalists in early autumn, and the winners are announced a few weeks later. The finalist list tends to circulate in the media and on social networks for days, shared by millions of people.

Categories cover land animals, sea creatures, birds, insects and young photographers, as well as videos and photo portfolios. Entrants range from professional photographers to amateurs who were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Why we find them so funny

Psychologists have a word for our tendency to see human emotions and gestures in animals: anthropomorphism. When a monkey looks thoughtful or a seal seems to laugh, our brains read those expressions as if they were human. Of course, the animal isn't "posing" or cracking a joke: it was simply yawning, scratching or reacting to something, and the camera caught a split second that, out of context, is hilarious.

That effect is part of the charm, but it's also a great opportunity to learn. Behind every photo is real behavior: birds squabbling over territory, youngsters learning to move, mammals at play. Many of the contest's images come with explanations of what was actually going on.

The serious message behind the laughs

Despite the lighthearted tone, the contest's goal is conservation. The organizers partner with groups that protect species and habitats, and they use the photos' popularity to remind people that many of the animals making us laugh are threatened by habitat loss, hunting or climate change. The idea is simple: it's easier to want to protect what moves us.

Real photos, not artificial intelligence

At a time when more and more computer-generated images are circulating, nature photography contests usually have strict rules: they require the original camera files and ban manipulations that change the content. Even so, every time a photo goes viral, someone asks whether it's real. A tip: look for the original source. If the image comes from a recognized competition, it will usually appear with the photographer's name, the location and the species.

Responsible wildlife photography

The success of these images inspires many people to head out with a camera or phone. It's a wonderful hobby, as long as you follow a few basic rules:

• Keep your distance. Use zoom instead of getting closer. If the animal changes its behavior because of you, you're too close.
• Never feed wild animals to get a shot. It can make them sick and cause them to lose their fear of people.
• Don't disturb nests or young. Parents may abandon them.
• Follow the rules in parks and reserves, and stay on marked trails.
• Be patient. The best photos often come after hours of waiting and watching.
• Be careful with locations. Sharing the exact whereabouts of sensitive species can attract poachers or crowds.

Tips for your own funny photo

• Start close to home: city parks, ponds and gardens have very photogenic birds, squirrels and insects.
• Use burst mode: comic moments last fractions of a second.
• Get down to the animal's level; eye-level shots are more expressive.
• Focus on the eyes: if they're sharp, the photo usually works.
• Watch behavior: animals that are playing, eating or grooming offer plenty of opportunities.

A dose of good humor

In a world full of difficult news, these photos offer something we really need: a shared smile. And if they also help us look at animals with more curiosity and respect, the effect goes far beyond a laugh. Next time you see a pigeon that looks grumpy or a dog that seems to grin, you might be looking at your own winning shot. Keep your camera ready: nature is full of comedians.