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.
LOCATIONS bursting with vibrant greens and chestnut browns, these photographs capture the peaceful English countryside in all its glory .
SPARKLING bright inside their box, it’s hard to believe these diamonds are made from the cremated remains of the deceased .
SKIPPING on the spot, an adorable little owl embraces the 'running man' challenge .
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 .
A cheeky chipmunk offers some of his spare food, before deciding against the idea and shoving the extra peanut into his already crammed mouth .
BASKING in smug satisfaction, a confident squirrel gives a wink to the camera .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .
A once bustling gold rush town in Mono County, California now stands completed deserted .
A curious red squirrel takes a break from collecting nuts and tries her hand at photography .
FROM KISSING an alligator on the nose to walking over broken glass, this fearless daredevil is a real life female JACKASS .
An Italian photographer travelled to the highlands of New Guinea where he met an Indonesian tribe untouched by the modern world .