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.
The lighthouses of Brittany, from Brest to Le Conquet, stand tall on France’s north-western coast against stunning scenery .
A BROWN bear wades through waters in Alaska and waits for his lunch .
WIDE EYED and staring straight down the lens of the camera, this intrigued seal is ready for his close up .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
A SPECTACULAR array of stars fills the night sky as they soar over this active volcano .
FLYING through the air, these delighted pooches pull their best poses mid-flight .
WITH LUSH GREEN LANDSCAPES stretching out as far as the eye can see, you're in for a treat at these one of a kind treehouses .
Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
Lying angelically with a range of expressions etched on their tiny faces, little bundles of joy are innocently captured in their first few days in these adorable photographs .