A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free. With all its tiny might, the rodent manages to pull its paw free from the clutch of the huge heron's beak. This moment was caught by professional photographer Daniel Dietrich, 44, in Point Reyes, California. Daniel, originally of New York, says: “The blue heron first attempted to spear the gopher with its beak while the rodent retreated into its burrow.
A diver attempts to control rising numbers of lionfish by feeding the venomous species to Caribbean reef sharks .
A carefree bear cub reclines in the water with his feet raised in the air .
Going for long rides through vast fields together, this twosome share an unbreakable bond .
A brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
A GLOWING range of greens and blues sweep across the sky in a spectacular display of light .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
BURSTING from the water, a beautiful but deadly Sumatran tiger jumps for food in an Indonesian zoo .
From a platter of finger licking chicken wings to a bowl of Chinese noodle soup, these foodie snaps are enough to make your savoury saliva glands drool .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
THIS LITTLE squirrel tries to keep himself snug as snow starts to fall around him .
AN ADORABLE one-eyed kitten has been dubbed the 'pirate cat' because of his pirate-like facial expressions .