A hilarious image of a squirrel stuck mid-movement in a tree trunk has taken the top prize at this year’s Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The winning shot, titled Stuck Squirrel by Milko Marchetti, was chosen from over 9,000 entries—the highest number the competition has received in its 10-year history.

Marchetti’s photograph captures the exact moment a red squirrel detaches its back legs from a tree trunk as it slips into its hide. “I’ve photographed squirrels in countless situations over the years in Italy, but this one stood out because of its humor and the unusual position,” Marchetti said. “Every time I share it at my local photography club, it gets endless laughter—I just had to enter it!”

The competition, known for celebrating the lighter side of wildlife, also recognized nine category winners from a shortlist of 45 images. Among them, Kingston Tam won the Nikon Young Photographer Award with a close-up of a smiling frog, while 10-year-old Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb became the youngest ever winner in the Portfolio category with his playful series featuring a “rock star” squirrel.

The video category went to Kevin Lohman for his footage of a red fox gleefully zooming across a frosty lawn.

The awards, judged by a panel of experts, highlight the joy and unpredictability of nature. Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe’s senior marketing manager, praised Marchetti’s image for its ability to capture “the playful and unpredictable moments that make nature so enchanting.”

This year’s winners continue the tradition of blending humor with breathtaking wildlife photography. Last year’s top spot went to Air Guitar Roo, a shot of a female kangaroo in a rock-star pose, snapped by Jason Moore in a wildflower field in Perth, Australia.

From squirrels in hilarious positions to frogs in bubbles, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards remind us to appreciate the whimsy and wonder of the animal kingdom.