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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.

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    #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

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    #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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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 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

    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
    4 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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    Molly Block
    Community Member
    4 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.

    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
    4 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

    Crap wildlife photography Report

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    Draco Malfoy
    Community Member
    4 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

    Crap wildlife photography Report

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    EA
    Community Member
    4 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
    4 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!

    to Crap wildlife photography Report

    #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

    #18

    Hmmm

    Hmmm

    Crap wildlife photography Report

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    Kenny Kulbiski
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Since his t.v. show was cancelled Flipper has struggled to find suitable work.

    Kat Rogers
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    😲😫🙈🤔🙄... 🐬PET ME... CAN I HAVE A BITE OF YOUR SUSHI 🍣?

    Beep Bop
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And that's how the first dolphin person was created.

    Anna Zuyev
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i hope the man is having a good time playing with the dolphins ;)

    Elizabeth Roethle Crawford
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd say this looks suspicious, who knows what hes feeding that dolphin, is that soon their diet

    Bacony
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye, four and twenty dolphins, baked in a pie. When the pie was opened, the dolphins began to sing, wasn't that a dainty dish to set before the king? The king was in the counting house, counting out his money, the queen was in the parlour, nicking all the honey. The squire was in the garden, leaning against the walls, then came a dolphin, who tore off his-

    Grumble O'Pug
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still butthurt over that, but fail miserably to see the rapist IMPOTUS we have now. F**k you, regurgitator.

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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

    #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

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    #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
    4 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
    4 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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    #44

    Didn’t Realize The Flash Was On...

    Didn’t Realize The Flash Was On...

    Crap wildlife photography Report

    #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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    Rowlie
    Community Member
    4 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!

    to Crap wildlife photography Report

    #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

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    #50

    Can Anyone Id This Bird Thx

    Can Anyone Id This Bird Thx

    Report

    #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
    4 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
    4 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

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    #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

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    #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
    4 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

    to Crap wildlife photography Report

    #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
    4 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

    Crap wildlife photography Report

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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

    #76

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

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

    Crap wildlife photography Report

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