The University of Nebraska State Museum will open its "Wildlife and Nature" amateur photography exhibit Nov. 2 on the third floor or Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus.

More than 100 individuals from across Nebraska submitted entries from July 1 to Sept. 30 as part of the museum's first amateur photography contest. More than 500 images of birds, mammals, plant life, other wildlife, natural landscapes and people interacting with nature will be showcased for contest participants, their families and museum visitors to enjoy.

The majority of the photographs are of wildlife and natural settings in Nebraska, but some were captured in exotic places across the globe, including Asia, Africa and Europe. The exhibit will remain on display through Feb. 28.

The photographs were judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, artistic merit and overall impact. First-, second- and third-place winners, along with honorable mentions, have been selected in each category. One grand prize-winner will also be recognized.

The photo contest judges included Bruce Thorson, associated professor of news-editorial and photojournalism for UNL's College of Journalism and Mass Communications; Katie Joseph, assistant to National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore; and Mark Harris, associate director of the University of Nebraska State Museum. The photos of the first place winners will be featured on the museum's Web site, www.museum.unl.edu, beginning Nov. 1.

The NU State Museum is a natural history museum featuring world-class fossils and exhibits. Morrill Hall is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults (19 and older), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and younger are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and their children). There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free. For more information about the museum, call (402) 472-3779 or visit www.museum.unl.edu.