A mudskipper fish defending its territory from a crab, a fox taking advantage of a full London bin and a confrontation between Emperor and Adelie penguins are among the 25 "astounding" images selected for a public vote.
Other images up for the vote are a courting mountain hares touching noses in Scotland's Monadhliath Mountains, jellyfish illuminated by the aurora borealis, a polar bear asleep on an iceberg, Celebes crested macaque drinking from a plastic bottle and a starling murmuration that looks like a giant bird.
They have been chosen by the Natural History Museum and a judging panel from nearly 50,000 entries from 95 countries submitted to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
Dr Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said: "Wildlife Photographer of the Year's people's choice award always offers an astounding selection of images, and this year is no different.
"We invite the public to join the jury and vote for their favourite; whether breath-taking beauty or a powerful story, it's sure to be a difficult decision."
The public can vote for their favourite image online or at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London, until voting closes on January 31 2024.
The winning choice and four top images will be announced in February 2024 and displayed online, joining the winners of the 59th annual international competition.
The people's choice award images are also being showcased at the exhibition at the Natural History Museum.
The overall competition was won by Laurent Ballesta for the second time with an image of a tri-spine horseshoe crab gliding along the bottom of the sea.
:: People can see and vote for their favourite images online at: www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice
9. Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Looking At Me, Looking At You by John E. Marriott, Canada, of a grizzly bear in the Chilko River, British Columbia, Canada, which has been shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. Photo: John E. Marriott/Wildlife Photographer of the Year
10. Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Duckling Huddle by Charles Davis, Australia, of wood ducks in a late spring snowstorm in Smiggin Holes, New South Wales, Australia, which has been shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. Photo: Charles Davis/Wildlife Photographer of the Year
11. Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Natural History Museum of Tough Negotiation by Ayala Fishaimer, Israel, of a red fox cub with the shrew in the Judean Foothills, Israel, which has been shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. Photo: Ayala Fishaimer/Wildlife Photographer of the Year
12. Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Tender Touch by Andy Parkinson, UK, of two courting mountain hares in the Monadhliath Mountains in Scotland, which has been shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. Photo: Andy Parkinson/Wildlife Photographer of the Year