Image 1

A leopard seal feeds Paul Nicklen a penguin.
Antarctic Peninsula

© 2011 Paul Nicklen/National Geographic

Image 2

Looking toward an uncertain future, a huge male bear triggers a camera trap, taking his own picture.
Leifdefjorden, Spitsbergen, Norway

© 2011 Paul Nicklen/National Geographic

Image 3

Narwhals dive deep under the ice to feed on Arctic cod, then return to the surface to breathe and raise their tusks high in the air.
Lancaster Sound, Nunavut, Canada

© 2011 Paul Nicklen/National Geographic

Image 4

A gentoo penguin chick peeks, checking for patrolling leopard seals before tempting fate.
Port Lockroy, Antarctic Peninsula

© 2011 Paul Nicklen/National Geographic

Image 5

A large bull walrus returns to the shores of Prins Karl Forland after diving and feeding on clams.
Svalbard, Norway

© 2011 Paul Nicklen/National Geographic

Image 6

A young polar bear leaps between ice floes.
Barents Sea, Svalbard, Norway

© 2011 Paul Nicklen/National Geographic