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Josef Stefan\u2019s \u201cFlying Rodent\u201d won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year People\u2019s Choice Award this year.<\/p>\nIt left them shutter shocked.<\/p>\n
A stunning photo of a lynx playing with its prey beat out 60,636 entries to win the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year People\u2019s Choice Award this year.<\/p>\n
The prize-winning picture, called \u201cFlying Rodent\u201d \u2014 of an Iberian lynx standing with his paw outstretched in the act of striking a rodent before eating it \u2014 was taken by Austrian photographer Josef Stefan.<\/p>\n
Josef Stefan\u2019s \u201cFlying Rodent\u201d won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year People\u2019s Choice Award this year.<\/p>\n
Stefan captured the captivating image \u2014 crowned the winner through a vote of 85,000 people worldwide \u2014 after having spent three days hiding in camouflage in Torre de Juan Abad in central Spain.<\/p>\n
During his stakeout, the Iberian lynx, a species of medium-sized wild cats characterized by black tufted ears and spotted red-brown fur, made \u201cbrief appearances from time to time,\u201d Stefan told CNN.<\/a><\/p>\n However, on the second day, the creature \u201csuddenly appeared with a freshly caught rat in his mouth, lay down near me, and remained there attentively for a while,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe repeatedly tossed the rat into the air, skillfully caught it, and occupied himself with it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, he lost interest, grabbed the rat, and disappeared behind a bush, where he ate it.\u201d<\/p>\n About 20 minutes later, the animal returned.<\/p>\n \u201cCalmly, almost proudly, he walked past my hide and finally disappeared into the adjacent bushland,\u201d Stefan added.<\/p>\n What makes the image even more special is the fact that the species of lynx \u2014 only found on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe \u2014 was considered one of the world\u2019s most endangered mammals in the early 2000s. <\/p>\n However, through conservation efforts, including a breeding program, its population increased by\u00a01,500% in 20 years.<\/p>\n