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 terrified moose, trapped in a frozen lake, bobs her head above the icey water and awaits her rescue .
FROM A mini table and chairs to a detailed violin, it’s hard to believe these incredible sculptures are all carved into the nib of PENCILS .
Clinging on to their furry backs, mischievous monkeys appeared to enjoy the free transport as they rode around on a perturbed Capybara .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
FINALLY catching a meal, a pair of great white egrets fight over their dinner .
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
A BROWN bear wades through waters in Alaska and waits for his lunch .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - FUNKY BUMP: FROM MIRROR bellies to rainbow bumps these pregnancy casts of stone and bronze could be the funkiest way to preserve your bump for posterity .
HIDDEN in the middle of the Mojave Desert, a secret oasis awaits intrepid travellers .
BEAUTIFULLY lit by the dim glow of lanterns, a cave in Iceland is transformed into the perfect wedding venue .
Enjoying life’s little pleasures is something that many struggle to do .
A project to create an underwater tribute to the stone Moai statues of Easter Island ended in disaster when 15 replica structures were destroyed after toppling from a boat and into the sea .