Station Squabble: London Underground Mice Photo Wins Top Wildlife Award
A remarkable photograph capturing two mice in a fleeting battle on a London Underground platform has won one of the world’s most beloved wildlife photography prizes. The image, titled “Station Squabble,” was taken by British photographer Sam Rowley and has earned the People’s Choice Award at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Natural History Museum in London.
Rowley’s award-winning shot reveals a rarely seen glimpse into urban wildlife — the hidden lives of animals that coexist with humans in bustling city environments. To get this extraordinary shot, Rowley spent several nights lying on the floor of subway platforms, patiently observing the small creatures that scurry through the Underground after hours. His persistence paid off when he captured the exact moment two mice appeared to be fighting over a tiny crumb dropped by a commuter.
According to the Natural History Museum, the skirmish lasted only a split second before one mouse seized the prize and both vanished into the shadows. Yet that brief encounter managed to capture the imagination of people around the world.
The museum noted that “Station Squabble” resonated deeply with the public because it blends humor, relatability, and a fascinating insight into how wildlife adapts to the urban jungle. Viewers were struck by the way such an ordinary, often overlooked setting — a subway platform — could reveal such raw and endearing behavior from nature’s smallest survivors.
Beating out 24 other finalists in the public vote, Rowley’s photo became one of the most iconic wildlife images of the year. Critics have praised it not only for its perfect timing and composition but also for its storytelling power — reminding us that moments of drama, competition, and survival unfold all around us, even in the heart of modern cities.
In an interview, Rowley expressed his excitement at the recognition, saying that he hoped the image would inspire people to look more closely at the wildlife that thrives alongside us every day. “Even in the busiest urban environments, animals find a way to live and adapt,” he said. “We just need to notice them.”
From the depths of London’s underground tunnels to the spotlight of international acclaim, “Station Squabble” stands as a witty, powerful reminder that nature’s stories — big and small — are everywhere, waiting to be seen.