‘Flying Rodent’ photo of lynx ready to eat his prey wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year award

It left them shutter shocked.

A stunning photo of a lynx playing with its prey beat out 60,636 entries to win the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award this year.

The prize-winning picture, called “Flying Rodent” — of an Iberian lynx standing with his paw outstretched in the act of striking a rodent before eating it — was taken by Austrian photographer Josef Stefan.

Stefan captured the captivating image — crowned the winner through a vote of 85,000 people worldwide — after having spent three days hiding in camouflage in Torre de Juan Abad in central Spain.

Josef Stefan’s “Flying Rodent” won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award this year.

During his stakeout, the Iberian lynx, a species of medium-sized wild cats characterized by black tufted ears and spotted red-brown fur, made “brief appearances from time to time,” Stefan told CNN.

However, on the second day, the creature “suddenly appeared with a freshly caught rat in his mouth, lay down near me, and remained there attentively for a while,” he said.

“He repeatedly tossed the rat into the air, skillfully caught it, and occupied himself with it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, he lost interest, grabbed the rat, and disappeared behind a bush, where he ate it.”

About 20 minutes later, the animal returned.

“Calmly, almost proudly, he walked past my hide and finally disappeared into the adjacent bushland,” Stefan added.

What makes the image even more special is the fact that the species of lynx — only found on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe — was considered one of the world’s most endangered mammals in the early 2000s.

However, through conservation efforts, including a breeding program, its population increased by 1,500% in 20 years.

“The Iberian lynx is a living symbol of hope, showing what can happen when we take responsibility, act consciously and focus our attention where it’s most needed,” Stefan told London’s Natural History Museum, which organizes the annual competition.

“Winning this award and being able to platform this message is the highlight of my 30 years as a nature photographer.”