Need a laugh? Here are some of the funniest wildlife photos this year

From laugh-out-loud animal expressions to perfectly timed moments in the wild, this year’s Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards finalists showcase the lighter side of nature. The competition received more than 10,000 entries from 112 countries, a record in its 11-year history.

Founded in 2015, the awards use humor and photography to engage audiences with wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Nikon, the competition’s headline partner, said the contest helps talented photographers tell stories that raise awareness about conservation while bringing joy to audiences around the world.

See some of this year’s weirdest, wildest and most creative finalists below:

All images courtesy of Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Fashion fades. Feather coats are forever.