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    2013 National Geographic Photo Contest

    Photo and caption by Karen Lunney/National Geographic Photo Contest - Forced to find new river crossing points in the Serengeti-Mara region of Eastern Africa, the wildebeest descend into individual despair and collective chaos. Fast currents and steep banks all but deny escape onto the tree-covered banks. New arrivals try unsuccessfully to scramble over the lead group that cannot climb quickly enough onto the available dry ground. Such scenes may become more common as the Great Migration faces more variable climate and narrower corridors from changing land-use.

    2013 National Geographic Photo Contest

    As a leader in capturing our world through brilliant imagery, National Geographic sets the standard for photographic excellence. Last year, we received more than 22,000 entries from over 150 countries, with professional photographers and amateur photo enthusiasts across the globe participating. Well, it's that time of year again—send us your best shots in any of these three categories: people, places and nature. Please submit images that accurately reflect the captured moment in time. In other words, keep it real.

    The Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2014: A behind-the-scenes experience like none other.

    During the contest, come back weekly to see our editors’ top picks. Want to be your own judge? View every photo, choose your own faves, then share them with family and friends. Contest ends Nov. 30, 2013. (National Geographic)