The best photos usually end up being the most unexpected ones, that were shot at the perfect moment. The timing in these adorable animal photos is truly impeccable, and it makes you wonder how it’s even possible that these pictures were taken at exactly the right time.
Take a look at 55 fascinating and stunning animal photos that were perfectly timed.
Well, let’s face it – not every animal can be incredibly photogenic. This adorable small bear apparently didn’t want his picture taken, but the end result is a hilarious shot. Absolutely worth it!
2.) Lenses can be tree branches too
Long and professional lenses definitely are a must-have for every nature photographer out there, but seemingly they’re also a great spot for birds to land on. Luckily, this photographer was accompanied by a colleague who managed to take this perfect shot.
3.) Just casually thinking
This frog just likes to contemplate about life in the most relaxed way possible. A frog resting on his own leaf with his paws on his stomach – that’s just about the most adorable thing a frog could do.
This adorable furry friend definitely seems to be enjoying his meal. Who knew that animals could look this cute while they were eating?
These four loyal pups will make sure that this adorable little girl gets to stay safe. An incredible picture of these four amazing bodyguards!
Hopefully, this photo was taken in a safe manner as it doesn’t seem like this croc is too keen on having visitors. A stunning shot with a beautiful underwater part.
This adorable lizard has an incredibly high coolness factor. He’s just casually jamming away on his leaf banjo while leaning on a stick. Just another normal day for this musical lizard.
8.) Flying smileys are the best
We can’t exactly say that mother nature has a way with words, but she definitely knows how to send a message. This once-in-a-lifetime shot of three birds forming the perfect smiley together is incredible and just stunning.
It’s no secret that cats just like to snuggle everyone around – even this adorable little pig here! He seems to be a bit sleepy, but this fantastic picture that their owner took is just absolutely adorable.
10.) The cutest best friends ever
There’s just something special about unexpected animal friendships, and this cat and baby owl duo are just simply too adorable to witness.
Many people wouldn’t associate insects with beauty, but these two friends can definitely prove them wrong. They truly came together to form a heart of nature, and the person behind the camera was lucky to capture this shot!
12.) What a happy little furball!
If you’re truly hungry, the feeling of someone handing you food must be so satisfying. Just take a look at this happy and hungry fella, for example! “Is that for me?”
13.) Good night, little guy
How amazing must it be to have an adorable baby turtle fall asleep on your hand? This picture shows a tired turtle taking a comfy nap in the palm of a hand – how cute!
These two adorable polar bears seem like two great friends. One of them is about to give his buddy a high five and you can just see the mischief in their eyes. How cute!
What’s cuter than a single fox? The answer to that is simple: five foxes. These adorable and seemingly identical foxes decided to stack on top of each other, and this picture is just so satisfyingly cute.
Pictures of objects and animals in mid-air almost always end up in a stunning result, and this photograph is certainly no different. Look at how majestic and beautiful this flying peacock looks!
This bird seems to have set its eyes on this calm and unsuspecting mantis. Not very appealing to witness in person, but this shot just before their hostile encounter is definitely special.
If you give this picture a quick look, you might mistake this white cat for a pot of flour! This basket seems to be an absolutely purrfect place for this kitten to hang out.
Some things just never change – that includes chameleons and their tricks. These two friends are just about a play a game of tag. This picture was taken at precisely the right time!
We can’t even begin to imagine what the chances are of taking this picture. The majestic bird aligns perfectly with the trails of the airplane flying thousands of feet above it.
21.) Ready for a field trip
Mommy dog is always making sure that her pup is strapped safely. As you can see, these two four-footers are ready to go on a field trip together and it’s about the cutest thing we’ve seen all day.
22.) Three fish with one beak
A predator that manages to capture two animals at the same time is pretty uncommon, but three animals are even more impressive. See how this bird was able to catch no less than three fish with his beak at the same time!
Taking a dive in waters that are being populated by sharks is one thing – but to actually get a high five from one of them as well? It doesn’t get any cooler than that.
24.) The cutest lick ever
What happens when you put one of the largest animals on the planet together with one of the smallest? This giraffe and squirrel duo certainly is unique, and they also have unique ways of showing their affection to one another.
25.) Always on the lookout
If there’s one thing that is absolutely sacred to squirrels, it’s eating nuts. This little guy was resting on a camera lens but when someone threw a nut towards him it immediately managed to grab his attention. Squirrels and their appetite, right?
The resemblance between this adorable kitten and his fluffy stuffed animal is just uncanny! This cat must think that this stuffed animal is a fluffier sibling. It doesn’t get much cuter than this!
This walrus decided to spend some time out of the water, and apparently what he saw was definitely worth laughing about. Check out the amazing and humongous grin on his face!
28.) A hide and seek expert
One of the benefits of being tiny is excelling at games such as hide and seek – just like this amazing animal right here. It manages to take cover and blends in well, but it wasn’t able to escape the lens of a camera. Thankfully!
29.) A llama with a trendy look
If you’re familiar with the British band “A Flock of Seagulls”, you can’t deny that this llama’s hairdo looks just like the one from the lead singer! We haven’t seen many llamas with special hairstyles, but this photo certainly makes us want to see more.
Teamwork makes the dream work, right? This snowy panda desperately wanted to reach something at the top, but couldn’t get there by himself. Luckily, his buddy was more than happy to help out.
In some languages, there’s a funny expression that loosely translates to “Don’t buy a cat in a bag.” This kitten certainly believes blends in perfectly with the picture of a muscled man.
These ten birds look like they’re all just one bunch of best friends. They’re casually relaxing on a tree branch and enjoying the views. What are the chances of spotting ten of these beautiful furry friends at the same time?
33.) A prayer to mother nature
Animals have faith too! Look at this incredibly adorable baby otter, for example, who’s seemingly praying. Perhaps he’s asking for a little bit more sunshine or a royal meal! In any case, this picture is “otterly” stunning.
34.) One of the biggest hugs ever
It takes a lot of courage to hug a dangerous tiger, but if you manage to befriend one – the unconditional love you get in return is priceless. Luckily for us, this warm and heartfelt moment between a man and his new friend was captured on camera.
This beautiful butterfly was caught taking a rest on this large iguana’s face, but luckily, he doesn’t seem to mind. The contrast between these two animals couldn’t be any bigger which makes this shot even more spectacular.
There are two certainties in the world: taxes, and the fact that dogs will always go and retrieve a ball that you’ve thrown for them. Even when this tennis ball managed to land into a pool, this pup didn’t hesitate to jump right in and bring it back.
37.) A predator in action
Predator birds are relentless, insanely quick and don’t hesitate to capture their prey. This worm certainly didn’t have much of a survival chance here, as it’s just another day in the life of a predator bird.
38.) An elephant in disguise
Who said that animals couldn’t have identity crises too? This elephant is covered in a bunch of wool, and it makes us wonder if he was dressing up for some kind of festivity. In any case, the photographer of this picture showed up just in time to snap this phenomenal sight.
One second – that’s all this alligator needs to capture his prey and get himself a fresh meal. This fish probably didn’t expect to land directly into this dangerous animal’s sharp beak.
40.) Just hanging out with his new friend
Apparently, this photographer blended in so well with his environment that he already became acquainted with this friendly cheetah. The animal even seems to be taking an interest in what the photographer is capturing as well!
41.) Wait, where’s the head?
If you’ve ever seen a bird shake water from its feathers, you know that it happens faster than lightning speed. This photographer happened to catch this movement at the exact right moment for a spectacular shot.
42.) Who’s going to get it?
Salmon swimming upstream are a feast dinner for grizzly bears. This incredible photo shows two big bears with three little cubs all vying for the next catch. Who will be the lucky one to snag this jumper?
43.) Survival of the fittest
Okay–now, this is something you definitely don’t see every day. There is so much happening in this photo it’s hard to wrap your head around it. The details are so intense! It appears that a snake maybe bit a frog in the mouth and now the frog is pulling it out?
44.) Where do you think you’re going?
This perfectly timed photo looks like a pair of birds are giving each other a high-five. But if you look closer, you’ll see that one bird is holding onto the other’s ankle–it looks like they’re trying to hold him back.
You’d think it was the same two birds from the previous slide, but here are two more that seem to be in a bit of a scuffle or disagreement. Maybe it’s time that these two took a break from each other for a bit.
46.) Hang on there, little buddy!
When life gets scary and you need someone to pick you–it’s always nice to have a friend nearby. This little lizard seems to be pretty darn lucky to have his bigger friend (or parent?) by his side at this particular moment.
This absolutely stunning photo is a sight that many of us would never otherwise witness. Two horses duke it out in a valley with wildflowers. It really doesn’t get more natural and raw than this.
There’s nothing quite like the bond between a mother and her child. This mama bird has just returned from hunting for bugs and shares a nice, juicy treat with her little one who has been patiently waiting.
A jaw-droppingly gorgeous red squirrel shakes off snow from its face in this gloriously-timed photo. The contrast of its bright fur against the stark white snow is truly something to behold.
50.) Don’t worry–it’s just a dog
At first sight, one might think that they’re staring at the face of a scary monster. But, in reality, this is just a really wrinkly dog giving its head a good old shake. Look at all the skin moving around!
It wasn’t a good day for this mouse, but an awfully good one for the bird. All in all–it’s just nature. Either way, this photographer captured a truly epic shot with this one.
52.) Colorful meal for a colorful lizard
An absolutely stunning shot shows a chameleon locking in a delicious bug for dinner. All the while, both the chameleon and its prey display a gorgeous palette of colors. Just gorgeous.
53.) A mother’s protection
A mother will do absolutely anything to protect her babies–and this mama bird is no different. This heartstring-pulling photo was perfectly captured showing a mother sheltering her two little chicks.
This puffin is surely a happy camper after scoring six little fishies in its mouth for dinner. The bright colors of the bird and the shiny scales of the fish almost make it look like this photo is fake.
A praying mantis and a walking stick both stick it out in a stand-off to see who’s going to claim this stem and left for their own. Who will win? They both seem very determined.
It’s amazing how lucky these photographers must’ve been when taking these stunning pictures. Mother nature truly never ceases to surprise!