Wandering through a sea of blazing magenta fireweed, this polar bear hunted for Arctic terns among the rocks. After successfully netting a morning snack, it settled down among the flowers to rest, which is when photographer Christopher Paetkau snapped its portrait. The resultant shot led to him being declared the winner of the latest Nature Photography Contest.

“The scene was surreal,” said Paetkau, “the golden hues of sunrise mingled with the vibrant fireweed, creating a breathtaking backdrop. This fleeting experience was a powerful reminder of the raw magic and tranquillity of the Arctic wilderness.

The shot alludes, judges noted, to the adaptability of wildlife in changing environments.

But it also highlights the vulnerability of polar bears as the climate crisis warms the Arctic, damaging the sea ice habitats on which the bears rely to hunt, live and breed.

It’s the second year of the photography contest, which is designed to pay tribute to our planet’s delicate beauty, said organisers, as they unveiled the 12 category winners.