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 kingfisher’s bright blue and orange feathers glisten in the sunlight as the bird dives into a lake .
PERCHING on the edge of a flower, these loved-up caterpillars can't resist each other as they enjoy a romantic moment together .
A diving guide leaves a shark completely docile and balanced in the palm of his hand .
Sitting all alone on drift ice in the Arctic Ocean, this lonely little fella looks lost .
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS - 250 DRIVERS ARRESTED FOR STREET RACING IN BIRMINGHAM- In Pic - The start line on the Heartlands Parkway Nechels Birmingham .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
A SPECTRUM of colours fills the sky during this spectacular and natural display of light .
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 .
LIKE SUPERMAN carrying a slimy Lois Lane through the air this frog is treating its mate to a flying lesson .
The view from this rooftop pool is sure to make most holidaymakers envious .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .