Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The glowing Squirrel

Squirrels are fascinating little creatures that are know to be indecisive, constantly begging for food from humans, hopping around digging holes in the ground, and causing trees’ to constantly rustle. This photo shows a college campus squirrel about to jump from a branch onto another branch. The unique position of the squirrel in this photo allows us to appreciate the beautiful design of this animal form a unique, underneath perspective. Its steadfast look and posture demonstrates its aptness and agility, while the golden, soft fur under its belly shows how magnificent and beautiful of an animal it is. Taking this photo wasn’t easy: I spent close to an hour stalking this squirrel around the tree; it teased me (like all squirrels do) by making me circle the tree close to the point where I was feeling dizzy. Afterwards, it started throwing nuts and twigs on me (totally worth it). Next, it completely ignored me after its friend came along. This squirrel was a mischievous fella. Just as soon as his friend jumped onto another branch, he set out to follow him and steal his food. It was at this moment, as it was about to jump that I captured this photo.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: Walnut, California, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3300
Copyright: © Zoher Yusufali