National Geographic's Nature Photographer of the Year contest has kicked off and the entries are awe-inspiring. This year's judges are looking for photos that showcase the "diverse natural world around us."
Entries are divided into four categories: Landscape, Environmental Issues, Action, and Animal Portraits. Winners of their category will receive $2,500 in prize money, with $750 being given to runners up. The Grand Prize for the best photo across all categories is a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions.
You can browse more entries and enter the competition yourself here.
An alligator poses for his close up in Apopka, Florida.
"The Eye Of A Gator"— by Nancy Elwood
Nancy Elwood / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
2 endangered rhinos pause for a drink under the stars in South Africa.
"Priceless"— by Alison Langevad
Alison Langevad / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
Lightning strikes lower Manhattan in a summer storm.
"Moonlightning"— by Christopher Markisz
Christopher Markisz / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
A doe and her fawn survey their surroundings in Yellowstone National Park.
"Let's picnic"— by Qian Wang
Qian Wang / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
A jockey grips his harnesses while taking part in Pacu Jawi— Indonesian bull racing. If he is fast, his bulls will sell for a higher price.
"Bull Race"— by Yh Lee
Yh Lee / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
The Soberanes forest fire illuminates the night sky in Monterey County, California.
"Beauty Beyond Disaster"— Li Liu
Li Liu / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
A mother and cub frolic in the fields of Katmai, Alaska.
"Brown Bears"— by Aaron Baggenstos
Aaron Baggenstos / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
A baby cloud forms over Mt. Fuji, Japan.
"UFO formation"— by Takashi
Takashi / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
Some curious cubs investigate a remote-controlled camera buggy in Tanzania.
"Curious Lions"— Kym Illman
Kym Illman / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
This gorgeous shot shows jellyfish floating eerily around their tank in an aquarium in New Jersey.
"Jellyfish"— by T. King
T. King / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
A herd of Wildebeest roam through the Serengeti in Tanzania.
"Wildebeest Migration"— by Hugh McCrystal
Hugh McCrystal / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
Day breaks over Monument Valley, Arizona.
"Daybreak at Monument Valley"— by Lidija Kamansky
Lidija Kamansky / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
A bald eagle plucks an unsuspecting victim out of the Susquehanna river.
"Hunting For Fish"— Eric Esterle
Eric Esterle / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
A dramatic landscape shot of Valle de La Luna in Chile.
"Silence and the desert"— by Virginia Zoli
Virginia Zoli / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
A Snowy Owl peers suspiciously as it stands over its prey on Jones Beach, New York
"Snow White"— S. Dere
S. Dere / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest 2016
