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.
BASKING in smug satisfaction, a confident squirrel gives a wink to the camera .
A photographer from the United Arab Emirates travelled to Pakistan where he captured the lives of local people in a series of expressive portraits .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
YOU’VE heard of the northern lights now feast your eyes on the natural wonder of the SOUTHERN lights .
A tiny puppy who lost his front legs after being hit by a train has been given and new LEASH of life with a set of wheels .
A Romanian photographer has captured the unique patterns of hundreds of human eyes in a series of striking macro shots .
BURSTING colours of reds, pinks and purples give the illusion of a collection of stunning flowers .
SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
The view from this rooftop pool is sure to make most holidaymakers envious .
PERCHED on a branch, these two frogs hold hands as they look into the camera .