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.
Raising his arms above his head and lying flat on his back, a polar bear stretches as he sprawls out across the ice .
FROM COLOURFUL autumn leaves to living trees at first glance you might miss these people blended with nature .
A US firefighter has battled osteoarthritis and four hip replacements to break the world paddleboarding record .
The aurora lights captured in Blair Nebraska, America - WITH electrifying purple and illuminous green brightening up the night sky, this is the rare moment a flash of 'sprite' lightening was captured on camera .
A German photographer travelled around Africa where he met and photographed members of tribes in a series of intimate portraits .
POWERFUL bolts of lightning illuminate the night sky in an incredible autumn storm over the Sardinian coastline .
FISTS fly as two gorillas take each other on in a dramatic battle .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
ROLLING across a 65-metre-high viaduct in the Alps, the red carriages of the Bernina Express add a splash of colour to the spectacular snow-covered Swiss surroundings .
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
Scurrying along the branch of a tree, a little squirrel pushes a pram packed full of Easter treats .
A GLOWING range of greens and blues sweep across the sky in a spectacular display of light .