Fishing Snakes

Bhavya Joshi's Image

Bhavya Joshi (India) records the drama as keelback snakes seize fish that are trying to outpace the water currents.

Bhavya has been observing these communal feasts at this location for five years.

When he took this photograph, up to 25 snakes were hunting fish at the same time. By contrast, Bhavya was alone, wielding an umbrella with one hand, a camera with the other, and taking care not to fall in.

Checkered keelbacks are found in and around watery habitats.

Adults feed on amphibians, small birds and mammals. Fish are also important in their diet. Pesticides and industrial waste dumped into water can affect populations of both fish and the keelbacks that eat them.

Behind the lens

Bhavya Joshi

Bhavya Joshi

India

Bhavya is a professional wildlife photographer and researcher. His passion for wildlife has been a constant companion since childhood. With a keen understanding of various wildlife species and their behaviours, Bhavya and his wife strive to showcase them through wildlife photography and guided mentor tours. Conducting various tutorial workshops in different parts of India, they actively connect with local communities and tribes to gain further insights into wildlife and nature as experienced by those who live closely with them.

Image details

  • Nikon D850
  • 200-500mm f5.6 lens
  • 1/60 at f8 (-0.7 e/v)  •   ISO 2000
  • Near Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

Support our important work

Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.

Donate now

Connections

More images from

Amphibians, Reptiles and Fish

Discover more

Sign up to our newsletter

Receive email updates about Wildlife Photographer of the Year news, events, science, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. Privacy notice.