Station Squabble: Award-Winning Photo Captures Mice Melee in London

Image Source: FOX 10 Phoenix

A striking photo of two mice fighting over a crumb on a London Underground platform won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. Taken by Sam Rowley, the image highlights urban wildlife’s daily struggle, captivating audiences from over 48,000 entries with its raw, relatable drama.

A captivating photo titled “Station Squabble,” capturing two mice in a fierce tussle over a tiny crumb on a London subway platform, has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award from the Natural History Museum in London. The award is part of one of the world’s most renowned wildlife photography competitions, which drew over 48,000 entries globally.

Key Highlights — The Photo and the Photographer

Sam Rowley, a wildlife filmmaker and BBC photography unit researcher, spent nearly a week lying on various London Underground platforms to capture urban wildlife in action.

The photo shows a split-second face-off between two mice squabbling over leftover food scraps dropped by commuters—an intense moment that lasted mere seconds.

“Station Squabble” was voted the public favorite, receiving approximately 28,000 votes, standing out amid a shortlist of 25 exceptional images.

Rowley expressed that the picture reveals the unexpected drama of wildlife existing within the urban environment, reminding viewers of nature’s resilience even in cityscapes.

Urban Wildlife Through a New Lens

The director of the Natural History Museum described the image as a fascinating glimpse into how wildlife adapts and behaves in human-dominated habitats.

The photo underscores the importance of appreciating common urban species such as mice and pigeons, which are often overlooked but vital for ecological balance and mental well-being.

Rowley urges people to notice and value the wildlife present in their everyday surroundings, highlighting that animals like these mice live entirely underground, isolated from natural green spaces.

Exhibition and Legacy

“Station Squabble” is part of the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition displayed at the Natural History Museum through May 31, 2026.

Alongside this winning entry, other highly commended photos depict poignant wildlife moments worldwide, from orangutan exploitation to conservation efforts in Africa.

Rowley’s achievement emphasizes that remarkable natural stories unfold even in the most mundane urban settings, celebrating wildlife’s tenacity and prompting reflection on human-wildlife coexistence.

Sources: BBC, CNN, Natural History Museum London, Fox7 Austin, NPR, ABC News

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