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.
CAUSING a splash, this determined kingfisher goes hunting for dinner .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
A SPECTRUM of colours fills the sky during this spectacular and natural display of light .
Scurrying along the branch of a tree, a little squirrel pushes a pram packed full of Easter treats .
An aerial view of flooding in Gloucestershire .
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
Say cheese! This cheeky chappy isn’t in the mood to live up to his scary reputation as he is pictured here cracking a killer smile as he goes about his daily business .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
The claws come out at meal time as a group of white tailed eagles brawl over road-kill .
HUDDLED together on a branch, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls soak up the sun .