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15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Dominate Feral Island Cat after a Passing Storm

I spotted this feral Island cat sitting in front of one of the several storage sheds near a boat slip right after a heavy passing storm. He/She seemed to be the dominate one since all other feral cats displayed submissive postures when around him/her. This colony of feral cats find shelter underneath these sheds and live off of any scraps fisherman have from bringing in their catch. They are very unique in size, facial/body structure, as well as eye colors from their domestic cat relatives. You can frequently find fundraising cans in local shops to help spay/neuter and release these feral cats to control population which sadly continues to grow.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2017
Date Uploaded: 08.2017
Photo Location: Chincoteague Island, Virginia, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3400
Copyright: © Vivian Malleo