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22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Wasp Nest

It looked like a well built fortress in the bottom section of our mailbox, but my husband was able to dismantle it without getting stung. I shot a picture 8/15/2024 early afternoon, seconds before it was whisked out and then ran, as there were wasps flying all around us:-) I am glad I shot this picture regardless before it was gone. I know what it is like to be stung, and didn't want to take chances when picking up our mail, but at the same time I couldn't help but admire the work that went into building this intricate nest. I knew the wasps would have to rebuild again. Thankfully they didn't return to the same spot to start over! It is tough to be a wasp.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Ellsworth, Wi, United States of America
Camera: COOLPIX P1000
Copyright: © Andrea Petersen