Fishing Cat Wading in Marsh with Catch

Copper-toned light spills over a shallow marsh above a glacial stream near Mbuji-Mayi, illuminating a fishing cat wading through knee-deep water. The animal holds a small, silver fish firmly in its jaws, its wet fur matting against the cool season air. Fine sea spray hangs in the atmosphere, catching the dying sun and scattering tiny droplets across the dark, rippling surface. The perspective sits low to the ground, looking up at the predator as it moves with patient, predatory stillness. Mud clings to its paws, and the stream bed beneath shows smooth stones worn by the flowing water. One droplet slides from the corner of the cat's mouth onto the fish's scales.