16 Photographs of Animals Caught in the Rain

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I cherished moments caught in the rain. I’d toss on a jacket and continue on my way. I still view rainy days as an opportunity to experience the natural world through a new lens. These stunning photographs from the annual National Wildlife Photo Contest might make you love (or at least embrace) the beauty of rain!

Grizzly in Rain
“A Swim in the Rain” soaking wet in the Khutzeymateen by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Christopher Martin.
Tricolored heron in the rain
Tricolor heron in Florida donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Scott Helfrich.
Mule Deer in the Rain
Mule deer in Wyoming donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Jim Brown.
Kingbird in Rain
Kingbird in Texas by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Robert Bunch.
Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Photo by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Diana Rebman.
Whale Breaching in Rain
Humpback whale breaching in Alaska. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Richard Rothstein.
Damselfly in the rain
A damselfly sitting in the rain. Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Photo by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Minghui Yuan.
Black Bear Cubs
Black bear cubs in Wisconsin by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant David Shaffer.
Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet tanager in Pennsylvania donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Stokes Clarke.
Monarch butterfly inside a chrysalis
Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Susannah Alle.
Cheetah After Rain
Baby cheetah in Africa after rain by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Greg Cortopassi.
Impalas in Rain
Impalas in Kenya donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant John Gerlach.
Bear in Alaska Rain
Bear in Alaska by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Marc Szczesny-Pumarada.
Jacobin in Honduras
White-necked jacobin in Honduras donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Barbara Fleming.
Butterfly with Droplets
Butterfly after shower by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Ila Press.
Orangutan in Rain
Orangutan in Malaysia by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Eng Siong Yeo.

Tips for Photographing in the Rain

Wet weather is something all outdoor and nature enthusiasts encounter at some point. Make sure you’re prepared to document your rainy adventures. You’ll want to take precautions to keep your camera dry.

Button-Enter-Your-Photos2015_175x26Be sure to enter your nature and wildlife images to the National Wildlife Photo Contest by July 1st!

Rainbow
And keep in mind that when the sun comes out after the rain, there might just be a rainbow. Photo by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Justin Black.