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How many times have you scrolled through breathtaking wildlife photography shots and told yourself “challenge accepted”? Well, it turns out it’s not so easy to take that pitch-perfect shot.

Wild animals⁠, they move. A camera⁠, it wobbles. A hand⁠, it shakes. And weather⁠, it’s always a mystery. This is the combination you need to get a spectacularly terrible wildlife pic. In fact, some of the entries are so bad they've made their way into the Crap Wildlife Photography group on Facebook. Here are some of the best-failed shots that may make you think twice about pressing that capture button any time soon.

#2

I Was In The Middle Of A Zoom When I Noticed This Bastard

I Was In The Middle Of A Zoom When I Noticed This Bastard

Crap wildlife photography Report

#3

Timed My Shot Perfectly. *sigh*

Timed My Shot Perfectly. *sigh*

Crap wildlife photography Report

Bored Panda contacted Marina Cano, an award-winning wildlife photographer and Canon ambassador who told us what it takes to capture wildlife like a pro. Marina’s work has been on the covers of National Geographic, and in 2015 she was a finalist of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.

With so many funny photos of wildlife and animals surfing around the internet, one cannot help but wonder what makes it so difficult to capture that golden shot. “It lies in how unpredictable the animals can be,” explained Marina, “but that’s also the most exciting thing about capturing the one perfectly timed photo.”

#4

Didn’t Know I Was Playing The Sims

Didn’t Know I Was Playing The Sims

Crap wildlife photography Report

#5

I Went Out To The Balcony To Photograph The Birds, But Instead Photographed A Fish...

I Went Out To The Balcony To Photograph The Birds, But Instead Photographed A Fish...

Crap wildlife photography Report

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james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg I am an idiot. I was thinking how the hell did a fish get up in the air and then I realised it is the bird but the wings are out of view.

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#6

Tried To Get A Spread Wings Shot...

Tried To Get A Spread Wings Shot...

Crap wildlife photography Report

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According to Marina, the most important thing to know before taking a camera is that “whatever happens in the day you will come back home happy to be in the wild.” On top of that, you need to be passionate, because in this case “you won’t blame anything and just enjoy it.” And how many times have we blamed the wobbly camera, crappy weather, and bad light?

A day in the life of a wildlife photography professional looks “more or less like a normal job,” except when you shoot in the bush. “The days in the bush make this job the most enjoyable profession on Earth.” Marina said she wakes up at around 4:00 and she’s happy to know “I have the rest of the daylight to spend in nature, to be witness, and to expect, if lucky, to capture the most extraordinary action out there.”

#7

Realizing I’d Made A Mistake

Realizing I’d Made A Mistake

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Colin L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A great photo to bring to the ER so they can give you the correct anti-venom, and laugh at yet another utterly avoidable accident.

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#9

When You Have An Encounter With A Rare Predator But Get Photobombed By A Magpie

When You Have An Encounter With A Rare Predator But Get Photobombed By A Magpie

Crap wildlife photography Report

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mollyloveswayne avatar
Molly Block
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The real question though is, is that predator sighting you or that magpie? I'd be worried....

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In wildlife photography, nature dictates everything. That means that in order to get that picture, you need practice. But some things should be inherent to an animal and wildlife photographer. You need to be able to keep silent, stay still for long periods of time. Remember that nature is their home, and you’re the guest.

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You should also learn to keep your eyes open for every little thing. Animals living in the wild have adapted to their environments extremely well. Taking a nice shot usually takes days of hard work and dedication, so you need to be patient.

We previously wrote about the photographer who took a perfect shot of a kingfisher after 4,200 hours and 720,000 attempts. This award-winning shot of an eagle also took Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen 3 years of wait. So, yeah, we are talking years of wait in the pro game.

#10

Courtesy Of My Dad And His Ancient Phone... Little Owl Eating Lunch

Courtesy Of My Dad And His Ancient Phone... Little Owl Eating Lunch

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Ruth Mayfly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The poor thing looks so tired and muddy. I want to take it home and give it a bath and blow dry it into a perfect fluffy ball (I do know it wouldn't appreciate any of that, don't worry)

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#11

A Most Majestic Tree

A Most Majestic Tree

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2025mbellis avatar
Draco Malfoy
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And here we have a majestic eagle...... wow look at this fine tree.

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#13

When Poles Fly

When Poles Fly

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bagladyele avatar
EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

George George, George of the jungle. Watch out for that tree!

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#14

Took A Photo Of A Drill

Took A Photo Of A Drill

Crap wildlife photography Report

#15

Grasshopper

Grasshopper

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Molly Block
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Playtime for kitty. This is a great shot. Look at his face! He's having so much fun!

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#16

This Handfeeding The Birds Was Going Great Until He Looked Right At Me And I Realized His Face Was Actually Kinda Scary And He Looked Pretty Pissed Off!

This Handfeeding The Birds Was Going Great Until He Looked Right At Me And I Realized His Face Was Actually Kinda Scary And He Looked Pretty Pissed Off!

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#17

I Got Distracted By The Frog In The Back And Lost Focus But To Be Entirely Honest I Think National Geographic Should Use This Picture As Their Cover.

I Got Distracted By The Frog In The Back And Lost Focus But To Be Entirely Honest I Think National Geographic Should Use This Picture As Their Cover.

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Lara Smith
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What kind of setting are they in? It makes the frogs look as big as cats!

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#20

The Pinnacle Of My Wildlife Photography Career

The Pinnacle Of My Wildlife Photography Career

Crap wildlife photography Report

#22

I'm Not Sure Why I Ever Thought It Was A Good Idea To Take A Picture Of The Sheep In The Dark, But It Ended Up Being The Stuff That Nightmares Are Made Of.

I'm Not Sure Why I Ever Thought It Was A Good Idea To Take A Picture Of The Sheep In The Dark, But It Ended Up Being The Stuff That Nightmares Are Made Of.

Crap wildlife photography Report

#24

Doe In Background Was Taking A Crap, Just To Top It Off

Doe In Background Was Taking A Crap, Just To Top It Off

Crap wildlife photography Report

#25

Didn’t Know How Funny This Was Until I Sent It To My Daughter...

Didn’t Know How Funny This Was Until I Sent It To My Daughter...

Crap wildlife photography Report

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#26

This Freaky Flying Ghost Child Is Actually A Blurred Great Blue Heron

This Freaky Flying Ghost Child Is Actually A Blurred Great Blue Heron

Crap wildlife photography Report

#30

'you Spin Me Right Round, Baby, Right Round.' Low Light + The Wrong Camera Setting = Guess The Animal. Nb No Animals Were Hurt In The Taking Of This Shot.. It Landed Safely On My Patio

'you Spin Me Right Round, Baby, Right Round.' Low Light + The Wrong Camera Setting = Guess The Animal. Nb No Animals Were Hurt In The Taking Of This Shot.. It Landed Safely On My Patio

Crap wildlife photography Report

#31

Blurry And Screaming - A Mood

Blurry And Screaming - A Mood

Crap wildlife photography Report

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#37

I Present The Mighty, Yet Gentle, Caribbean Manatee.

I Present The Mighty, Yet Gentle, Caribbean Manatee.

Crap wildlife photography Report

#38

This Cougar Was So Close I Was Able To Get A Picture Of It!!!

This Cougar Was So Close I Was Able To Get A Picture Of It!!!

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Janine B.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cougar? That's clearly the owl from above. Who do you think you can fool, eh?

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#39

“Who Needs A Fancy Camera?!” I Say To Myself As I Push My iPhone Up Against My Binoculars. It Was Me. I Needed A Better Camera.

“Who Needs A Fancy Camera?!” I Say To Myself As I Push My iPhone Up Against My Binoculars. It Was Me. I Needed A Better Camera.

Crap wildlife photography Report

#40

Leg

Leg

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone must have found this phone and pic and posted it for the original photographer who obviously died of fright the moment he took the picture.

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#41

Look At The Colors!!!! Where Is He Going.

Look At The Colors!!!! Where Is He Going.

Crap wildlife photography Report

#44

Didn’t Realize The Flash Was On...

Didn’t Realize The Flash Was On...

Crap wildlife photography Report

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#46

As You Can See I Did A Great Job Getting The Road Line In Focus, Which Was Challenging With That Coyote In The Way

As You Can See I Did A Great Job Getting The Road Line In Focus, Which Was Challenging With That Coyote In The Way

Crap wildlife photography Report

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dhejno avatar
Rowlie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the road looks great, despite this awful coyote's efforts

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#47

I Present To You, The Wondrous King Penguin

I Present To You, The Wondrous King Penguin

Crap wildlife photography Report

#48

So, I Was Taking A Picture Of These Trees? And All Of A Sudden There Was This Coyote! Photo Bomb!

So, I Was Taking A Picture Of These Trees? And All Of A Sudden There Was This Coyote! Photo Bomb!

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#49

Attack Of The Killer Butterflies (I Saved The Boy, But Now I'm... Hideous)!

Attack Of The Killer Butterflies (I Saved The Boy, But Now I'm... Hideous)!

Crap wildlife photography Report

#50

Can Anyone Id This Bird Thx

Can Anyone Id This Bird Thx

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#51

The Key To Being A Crap Wildlife Photographer Is Having No Timing At All Or Any Sense Of Movement Of Your Subject. I Successfully Turned This Great Photo Opportunity Of A Red Fox Straight Into Crap.

The Key To Being A Crap Wildlife Photographer Is Having No Timing At All Or Any Sense Of Movement Of Your Subject. I Successfully Turned This Great Photo Opportunity Of A Red Fox Straight Into Crap.

Crap wildlife photography Report

#52

So Excited To See My First Sea Otter!

So Excited To See My First Sea Otter!

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Lara Smith
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen so many family vacation photos that look like this. 80% background and tiny subjects.

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#54

You’ve Been Blessed By The Magic Glowing Koi, 7 Years Of Good Luck Coming Your Way

You’ve Been Blessed By The Magic Glowing Koi, 7 Years Of Good Luck Coming Your Way

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#55

Had To Put My Phone Under The Table And Hope That The Quokka Was Looking At The Camera. It Wasn't.

Had To Put My Phone Under The Table And Hope That The Quokka Was Looking At The Camera. It Wasn't.

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Roz Adams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Upskirting is illegal on humans now, but you gotta get your fix, right?

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#56

Mangy Grackle Sunning Himself On My Steering Wheel.

Mangy Grackle Sunning Himself On My Steering Wheel.

Crap wildlife photography Report

#59

This 5 Inch Piece Of Badness Charged My Wife And Attacked The Truck Tire When She Tried To Move Him Off The Road. You’re Welcome Little Guy

This 5 Inch Piece Of Badness Charged My Wife And Attacked The Truck Tire When She Tried To Move Him Off The Road. You’re Welcome Little Guy

Crap wildlife photography Report

#60

Pictures Taken Moments Before Disaster

Pictures Taken Moments Before Disaster

Crap wildlife photography Report

#64

Tried To Take A Picture Of A Nice Little Toad. He Had Other Ideas.

Tried To Take A Picture Of A Nice Little Toad. He Had Other Ideas.

Crap wildlife photography Report

#65

"Nubs" Our Little Tailless Squirrel Buddy

"Nubs" Our Little Tailless Squirrel Buddy

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Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is an awesome tailless squirrel online. Sabrina_the_squirrel. I check them out everyday since gizmo is gone😭

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#67

I Want To Be Clear That Yes, It's A Rat But It Remains Outside. It Just Keeps Coming To My Windowsill At Night. I Need To Clean The Window To Get A Better Pic, The Second One Is When He Turned To Look Because I Tapped The Window

I Want To Be Clear That Yes, It's A Rat But It Remains Outside. It Just Keeps Coming To My Windowsill At Night. I Need To Clean The Window To Get A Better Pic, The Second One Is When He Turned To Look Because I Tapped The Window

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#68

My Dad Wanted To See What Kind Of Cat Was Gobbling Up The Cat Food He Sat Out Every Night.

My Dad Wanted To See What Kind Of Cat Was Gobbling Up The Cat Food He Sat Out Every Night.

Crap wildlife photography Report

#70

Rip My Neighbours Whose House Got Attacked By A Giant Wasp Of The Blurry Variation Today

Rip My Neighbours Whose House Got Attacked By A Giant Wasp Of The Blurry Variation Today

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#71

Shaky Hands + Night Mode = Ghost Deer

Shaky Hands + Night Mode = Ghost Deer

Crap wildlife photography Report

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Kaisu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this the right title for the pic? I don't see night mode or deer

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#72

Crappy Composition

Crappy Composition

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#73

A Mink, [friggin] Awkward One Too

A Mink, [friggin] Awkward One Too

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#74

I've Been Waiting Years For My Photography Talent To Be Appreciated! Please Accept This Offering Of My Local Wildlife While Imaging The Noise I Made As It Flew Directly At My Face

I've Been Waiting Years For My Photography Talent To Be Appreciated! Please Accept This Offering Of My Local Wildlife While Imaging The Noise I Made As It Flew Directly At My Face

Crap wildlife photography Report

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#76

So My Daily Staring Competition Starts!! The Little Wanker!!!

So My Daily Staring Competition Starts!! The Little Wanker!!!

Crap wildlife photography Report