They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these striking images of 2017 are no exception. The photo highlights include incredible snapshots of the natural world as well as some awesome animal and human encounters. The vibrant gallery also shows thrill-seekers pushing themselves to the limit with breathtaking stunts captured in perfect clarity. The pictures have been taken by a host of photographers from around the world. Here: The two lion cubs singing their hearts out at Antelope park in Zimbabwe. (Photo by David Jenkins/Caters News Agency)

“Residents in a small town littered with giant potholes may be ready to “crack” the art world – after turning their massively damaged roads into hilarious masterpieces. Fun-natured drivers from Scranton, Pennsylvania have been challenged by an arts group to turn the ugly craters in their neighborhood into pothole art”. – Caters News. Photo: Cereal bowl pothole. (Photo by Caters News)

“Meet the woman dispelling the myths about one of the worlds most feared ocean predators by swimming without protection with great white sharks. Petite beauty Ocean Ramsey travels the globe swimming with many species of sharks hoping to prove they are nothing like their Jaws film reputation”. – Caters News. Photo: Ocean Ramsey freediving with a shark. (Photo by Juan Oliphant/Caters News)

“These are the stunning 360 degree images of Europe's abandoned buildings that will get your head in a spin. Sven Fennema, 33, captured the incredible shots, which include a forgotten villa and casino in northern Italy and abandoned churches in Poland”. – Caters News. (Photo by Sven Fennema/Caters News)

This incredible panoramic photographs are distorted to create miniature worlds and terrifying tunnels. (Photo by Caters News)

The photos were taken at the Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion Island, a French island in the Indian Ocean one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Here: The powerful erupting volcano. (Photo by Luc Perrot/Caters News)