From a racoon whispering a very important secret to its mum, to three polar bears enjoying a judo bout, the most hilarious wildlife pictures of the year have been revealed.
The prizewinners of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2024 will be announced on December 10, but until then you can marvel at the once-in-a-lifetime shots captured by amateur and professional photographers around the world.
There are no rules about what kind of equipment is required - pics from camera phones are allowed - the only prerequisite is that they make people giggle.
A number of awards will presented at the yet-to-be-announced ceremony, for pictures featuring mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish and other aquatic species, and insects.
There’s also a portfolio prize for the best four pictures taken by a single photographer, a junior category (under 16s) and a young photographer award (for under 25s).
And at the end of it all the Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year will receive a trophy and a one week safari for two people in Kenya.
Here are your finalists. Which one make you laugh the most?
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9. 'Otter Guru' by Charles Janson (United States)
In a kayak with my camera balanced precariously on the gunnel, I stayed very still while floating by this resting sea otter. It stayed relaxed (you can tell because it is still floating on its back) and kept on grooming its fur. With its peaceful face and upturned paws, it reminded me of a guru meditating. | The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024/Charles Janson

10. 'Saying My Prayers' by Christine Haines (United States)
I visited Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, to photograph bears. While there, I had an opportunity to travel to Duck Island where I saw an otter floating next to the boat. Otters hold their food with their paws making it appear like they are praying. | The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024/Christine Haines

11. 'Monday Again?' by Christopher Arnold (Germany)
I photographed this coypu directly from the canoe. It was busy grooming itself. | The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024/Christopher Arnold

12. 'Cold shower' by Corentin Revel (France)
This doe had got up on her hind legs to grab some leaves from the tree to eat, but when she got back up on all fours, she suddenly let go of the branch and took a cold shower on the head. | The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024/Corentin Revel
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