WITH a paw in the air and his tongue hanging from his mouth, it is clear to see that this little groundhog is struggling to wake up and leave behind the comfort of his burrow. The groundhog takes a moment to stretch before quickly becoming aware that he's not alone. The adorable scene was captured in the Tonale Pass, a high mountain pass in Trentino Alto Adige, Italy, by freelance photographer Maurizio Lancini. The 39-year-old, of Rodengo Saiano, Brescia, Italy, says:"I spotted the entrance to the burrow so decided to hide nearby and wait for the groundhog to appear.
A cheeky owl fancies a game of hide and seek as it peeps out from behind a tree .
An adorable orangutan named Pongo celebrates his first birthday at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia, America .
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
BLOWING bubbles underwater, this adorable polar bear slides into his tank for a playful dip .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
These beautiful photographs show how these playful pods of dolphins make their own fun by gliding, flipping and spinning through the air whilst enjoying the sun on their backs .
WITH A wide smile plastered across his face, this little gecko is ready for his close up .
A lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .
A once bustling gold rush town in Mono County, California now stands completed deserted .
Enjoying life’s little pleasures is something that many struggle to do .
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .
WONDERS of the world have been transformed into their mini-versions in a seven-year round the world adventure .