A striking image of an Andean bear, its formidable presence evident through shaggy fur and sharp claws, has been recognized in the Sony World Photography Awards. The photograph, taken by Sebastian Di Domenico, captures the animal perched on a moss-laden branch within Colombia’s Chingaza Ecopalacio Reserve. Di Domenico encountered the bear while leading a group of hikers through the forest.

The bear, estimated to be a five-year-old male, appeared to be a recent visitor to the specific area, as local observations had not previously recorded its presence. Di Domenico speculates that the animal may have been attracted to the location by a mate. “That day, there was another bear on a tree close by, so we actually think they might have been mating up in the trees,” he stated, recalling the encounter.

This particular sighting highlights the precarious situation faced by the species, Tremarctos ornatus. Habitat degradation, driven by agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and mining, increasingly forces these bears to encroach on human-dominated landscapes. Consequently, they raid crops and prey on livestock, leading to retaliatory hunting by humans. Di Domenico noted that the species, historically found from Venezuela to Bolivia, has seen its range significantly impacted by human activities.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature currently classifies the Andean bear as “vulnerable” to extinction. Di Domenico emphasized that documenting such wildlife encounters is crucial for conservation efforts. He remarked, “Getting sightings like these is very uncommon, so having the opportunity to portrait not only the species but its unique habitat can send a powerful message.” The Andean bear holds significance as the sole bear species native to South America and serves as an iconic symbol of the tropical Andes region.

The photographic work, including Di Domenico’s nominated shot, is part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition. The exhibition is scheduled to take place at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 4, 2026.