SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other. The lumbering pair's sibling rivalry heats up the frosty winter setting in snow swept Alaska. American photographer and tour guide, Matthew Studebaker, 30, managed to capture these extraordinary shots in 25 miles per hour wind on Barrier Islands, Alaska in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. No strangers to the freezing weather, the playful polar bears sparred in temperatures of minus six degrees. "These siblings were teasing each other and sparring during a snowstorm," explains Matthew of Richfield, Ohio.
A hungry hippo is seconds away from catching a bird in its gigantic jaws .
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
Fetching a tiny carrot and a head-shaped snowball, a red squirrel builds the perfect snowman .
WITH A wide smile plastered across his face, this little gecko is ready for his close up .
AN ADORABLE one-eyed kitten has been dubbed the 'pirate cat' because of his pirate-like facial expressions .
HUDDLING under a leaf, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls take shelter from the rain .
STOLEN £2K BULLDOG REUNITED WITH FAMILY VIA TWITTER - A £2,000 bulldog puppy snatched from her home by burglars has been reunited with her family thanks to Twitter .
WIDE EYED with a huge smile across her face, this little elephant is a picture of happiness .
A curious red squirrel takes a break from collecting nuts and tries her hand at photography .
Southern England, the south-west and west Wales have been warned to expect more wild weather, with heavy rain and high tides possibly leading to coastal flooding and travel disruption over the weekend .
This hungry white tiger has just one thing on her mind - to taste fresh meat .