2017 Wildlife Photo Contest

Species: Caterpillar | Location: Brazos Bend State Park, Texas, United States of America

While out hiking in a park so full of alligators that I was on full alert, I was suddenly startled by something tickling my cheek. It took a moment to understand that this clearly had something to do with my throwing my tripod and camera over my shoulder after stopping under the trees for a while. When I realized that this tiny, spiked caterpillar had hitched a ride on the tripod and was just cruising along next to me, I grabbed my clip-on macro for my phone to grab a shot. I was startled again when I saw the amazing faces that appeared in the patterns on this lovely creature. After a few shots, I relocated my new friend into plants at the side of the trail and continued my hike with an ear-to-ear grin.

About The Photographer

An avid outdoors adventurer and nature lover, Katheryn takes every opportunity to get closer to wild places and the wildlife that call these places home. Her favorite subjects are usually found in macro, because she likes finding the aspects of nature that we sometimes miss. Capturing special moments or small glimpses of the natural world is her version of pure joy.