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 DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
A puppy bit off more than he could chew when he stole a six inch Chinese spare rib from his owner and swallowed it WHOLE, Cheeky Staffordshire bull terrier Rossi had his life SPARED when he underwent a life-saving operation to remove the bone from his stomach after swiping part of the takeaway meal .
From a floating jelly fish to a relaxed seal, Britain’s unappreciated beach life is captured above and below the water .
These images of vintage cars, bikes and vans, pictured all over the world, could easily have come from a globetrotting petrol-head’s photo album .
OFFERING a glimpse into the past, a mash-up of old and new photographs show how the world’s biggest cities have changed .
Throwing a right hook as he launches onto his opponent with his gnarling teeth at the ready, this is the OTTER-LY ruthless showdown between two otters .
LIFTING their heads high and bumping beaks, these aggressive pelicans clash over fish .
A HEIGHT-addicted airline pilot has taken pictures of the Dubai from 1,300-feet .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .