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.
SQUEEZING their furry faces through a hole in a tree, a trio of curious baby squirrels leave their nest for the first time to explore their surroundings .
The dog having been pulled from the car - A police officer smashed a window in the blue Chrysler car to free the dog which was in visible distress .
Clinging on to their furry backs, mischievous monkeys appeared to enjoy the free transport as they rode around on a perturbed Capybara .
A diving guide leaves a shark completely docile and balanced in the palm of his hand .
TUGGING on the wing of his sibling, this needy owl is after some attention .
EXPERTLY camouflaged, this clever panther chameleon knows how to catch its prey by surprise .
A once bustling gold rush town in Mono County, California now stands completed deserted .
A disabled sheep is enjoying a new fleece of life after receiving a specially-designed wheelchair .
IN a galaxy far, far away, this collection of stunning interstellar formations will leave you STARSTRUCK .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
Destroyed buildings and overturned cars are seen after a huge tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, near Oklahoma City, May 20, 2013 .
A man who conned tax officials out of £34 million and funded a lavish lifestyle of luxury hotels and restaurants has been jailed for one of the longest sentences in British criminal fraud history .