Gray whale feeding at the surface and showing it's baleen. (Photo by Christopher Swann/Biosphoto)

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is seen over the sky near the village of Pallas (Muonio region) of Lapland, Finland September 8, 2017. (Photo by Alexander Kuznetsov/Reuters)

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)

“These Rajasthani sisters were sitting on the staircase inside their house relaxing and enjoy a cup of masala chai”. (Photo by Firdaus Hadzri/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)

A man poses for a picture in front of Christmas lights decoration at the Francisco Morazan square in San Salvador, El Salvador, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Jose Cabezas/Reuters)

Protesters clash with police at Speakers Corner as thousands attend Unite For Freedom Against COVID-19 passports and vaccines in London, UK on April 24, 2021. People called online to a flash mob-style mass gathering against vaccine passport, face masks and lockdown. The government aims to provide official proof of vaccination for millions of British holidaymakers this summer starting as early as 17 May. (Photo by World Entertainment News Network)

Victoria of Bulgaria performs during the second semi-final of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, Netherlands, May 20, 2021. (Photo by Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters)

A student gets off a police vehicle which carried her to a high school to arrive in time for a college entrance exam in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, November 18, 2021. About 510,000 high school seniors and graduates across the country are expected to take the College Scholastic Ability Test. (Photo by Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo)