A DEER stalking through the woods; a fox with a butterfly on its nose and an otter mid-leap – these are among the amazing images captured at a Surrey wildlife haven.
The British Wildlife Centre has released the winners of its annual Native and Natural Photography competition.
The 12 photos were chosen from more than 600 entries of photos taken of animals at the centre in Eastbourne Road, Lingfield.
See the 12 prize-winning photos here
A winner and runner-up were chosen in each of the six categories: animal portrait; at home in their habitat; animals and their keepers; animals in motion; fauna fun and junior.
An overall winner was then chosen from the six category winners.
Zena Saunders' photo of a muntjac deer in dappled light in the woods – called At home with a muntjac – won both the "at home in their habitat" section and the overall competition.
She said: "I noticed the light in the copse first and thought a red squirrel would look good just there, but it wasn't to be.
"I was aware that the Muntjac was being chased by the male through the copse and hoped she would come to this area, so I waited and watched.
"Capturing the moment was great, I'm so pleased with the final photo, I liked it the second I took it".
The photos were judged by the centre's head keeper Matt Binstead and professional wildlife photographer David Lloyd.
Mr Binstead said: "[Zena's is] a beautiful photograph of one of our most overlooked animals, showing you don't always need the animal to fill the frame to make the shot.
"The colours are vivid, the lighting is stunning and the overall composition is just right, placing this animal in her habitat perfectly. It's was a standout photo from the start and a deserved overall winner!"
Ms Saunders won an annual membership and a special day of photography at the centre.
For details visit www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk
