Flemish photographer Niki Colemont has won the public prize of the National Geographic photo competition. His snap showing a red squirrel jumping from a patch of moss with an acorn in its mouth garnered most support in the category “Animal”.
Niki’s over the moon: “This is incredible” said the photographer from Diepenbeek (Flemish Brabant). “I had a lot of support from friends and family. Even the guy who came second congratulated me”.
Niki took his snap in North Brabant in the Netherlands: “I observed the site with many squirrels running about for four hours. There’s a stream where they can drink, but squirrels aren’t too hot on water. That’s why I placed a piece of moss with an acorn on it on the water in the hope one would jump on it”.
“The squirrel and its reflection form a beautiful circle. It’s a very original photo. I was very pleased when I took it”.