Photo contest winners capture lighter side of animal kingdom

Wildlife photographers can spend hours, days even, waiting for the perfect moment to capture a candid moment.

The winners of the 2015 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards did just that, snapping breathtaking and often hilarious photos of animals interacting with each other and their environment.

Amateur and professional photographers submitted their best pics in this international photo contest, which partners with the Born Free Foundation to ensure it is also taking care of the wildlife it is photographing.

William Richardson/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

This year’s top honour went to Austria’s Julian Rad for a mid-air hamster picture. Second place went to William Richardson of the UK for his stag full of foliage.

Here’s a look at this year’s winners, and honourable mentions.

You can enter your own photographs here.

Mohammed Alnaser/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards