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.
LEAPING through the air this determined little mouse is on a mission for food .
Clinging on to their furry backs, mischievous monkeys appeared to enjoy the free transport as they rode around on a perturbed Capybara .
LINED up one by one on a deer’s back, these little birds give their wings a break as they catch a ride across London .
PUSHING the diver out of his way, this little sea turtle shows he’s not in the mood for photographs .
HOPPING onto the scales, these adorable baby Humboldt penguins are ready for their first weigh-in .
BRAIDED, sculpted and beaded, these are the eye-catching hairstyles worn by the tribal women of Angola .
Blonde teen Jess Stubbs has certainly got girl power - as Britain’s youngest TRUCKER .
SNEAKING slowly into the water, this Bengal tiger plans a vicious attack on three unsuspecting deer .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
TUGGING on the wing of his sibling, this needy owl is after some attention .
SAILING over crystal clear waters, the Bajau people of Malaysia live their lives almost entirely at SEA .