The first images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition for 2017 have been revealed, and as ever, they don’t disappoint. Seals swim below ceilings of ice, an arctic fox is caught with its spoils from a nest raid, and a baby bear hugs its parent in just some of the breathtaking images from the fifty-third competition.

The official winners will be revealed at the world-renowned exhibition, which opens on 20 October at the Natural History Museum in London, which runs the annual competition.

Check out the stunning first-look images below – which are your favourites?