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 pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .
This hungry white tiger has just one thing on her mind - to taste fresh meat .
A frilled lizard appears to be belting out a tune as it sits in a tree with its mouth open wide .
A cricket perches on an unusual seat after crawling up the snout of a crocodile .
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
A striped marlin means business as it spots lunch and spears a small fish .
WITH STUNNING colours and serene scenes, these photographs capture the otherworldly beauty of the English coast .
A diver explores the crystal clear waters of the Silfra canyon in southern Iceland, which is the only place on Earth where you can dive or snorkel between two continental plates .
SNEAKING slowly into the water, this Bengal tiger plans a vicious attack on three unsuspecting deer .
FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters .
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
THIS is the incredible moment a pelican throws a fish into the air and SLAM DUNKS it into its enormous throat sack .