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.
NEVER mind being careful not to choke on your food, this mother bird has a bigger challenge on her hands, as her ravenous offspring impatiently launches its head down into her stomach .
A kingfisher’s bright blue and orange feathers glisten in the sunlight as the bird dives into a lake .
A mining town in Australia’s outback appears to be completely deserted, but its residents have escaped the scorching heat by living in underground caves .
A blanket of fog is lit up by the colourful glowing lights of the city below .
EXPERTLY camouflaged, this clever panther chameleon knows how to catch its prey by surprise .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
ROLLING up snow in its tiny paws, this little squirrel is looking for a snowball fight .
SOARING through the air, a hungry white-tailed kite prepares to snatch a vole from his mother’s claws .
Animal rescue volunteers have told how a cat riddled with cancer was forced to ripped off its own ears after it was abandoned by its owners .
VIBRANT bursts of colour fill the screen as beautiful flowers blossom in these time-lapse videos .
This tranquil setting stretches for miles as the sun sets behind the mountain .
From a floating jelly fish to a relaxed seal, Britain’s unappreciated beach life is captured above and below the water .