Cupertino photographer Jean Zuo earned top honors in a contest sponsored by California Watchable Wildlife (CAWW), Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Her image of a California Black Bear catching a Kokanee Salmon at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center in Lake Tahoe was named California Wildlife Photo of the Year for 2024.

After developing an interest in photography in 2017, Zuo found wildlife photography to be “a peaceful sanctuary” during the pandemic.

“In October of 2023, my family took me to Lake Tahoe,” she said in a release. “That was my first time visiting Taylor Creek and capturing its remarkable wildlife. I photographed the California Black Bears and Kokanee Salmon; it was truly a privilege and one of my most memorable experiences. Winning the Photo of the Year is an honor.”

For the contest, a panel of judges critiques each photograph based on creativity, technical excellence, overall impact and artistic merit. The contest runs throughout the year, with winners announced bimonthly and featured on social media platforms and the CAWW website. The photo of the year is selected in December by CDFW Director Chuck Bonham.

“Jean’s photograph captured the raw beauty and life cycle connection between two species,” Bonham said. “The composition, lighting and timing reflected not only the technical excellence we look for, but also the deep respect for the natural world. It was a truly captivating moment.”

For her photo, Zuo won $1,500 in prizes. The top winning images from the 2024 contest were part of a weeklong social media presentation.

For submission guidelines for the 2025 contest and to view past winners, visit www.CAWatchableWildlife.org.