A manatee makes the most of his underwater guests by rolling onto his back for a belly rub. The manatee appears apprehensive at first, but he soon cosies up to the divers. The photographs were taken by marine biologist Andrew Pearson in Crystal River, Florida at the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. The 32 year old photographer, of Southampton, says: ‘We spent several days snorkelling with wild manatees.
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
SPLASHING in the water and fighting in-between rocks, these energetic tigers enjoy their fun-filled morning .
SQUABBLING over the last piece of grain, these hungry squirrels are determined to stock up on as much food as possible .
THROWING himself off 1,100ft bridges in a wheelchair, this is the PARALYSED base jumper who knows no fear .
HUDDLED together on a branch, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls soak up the sun .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .
A trio of ants are locked in a tug of war over a fly as they pull the bug by its legs .
WE’RE all familiar with the heart-wrenching pictures of dogs abandoned in animal shelters, but one photographer has found an innovative way of showcasing the pooch’s personality .
BRAIDED, sculpted and beaded, these are the eye-catching hairstyles worn by the tribal women of Angola .
A grey whale and her calf greet an audience of awestruck admirers on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico .