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.
SAT ON top of a Brazilian turtle’s head, this little ladybird looks content as he studies his environment from a new height .
THIS is the EXPLOSIVE moment when a 50 metre high pylon came crashing down to earth in a rural field .
PUCKERING up and enjoying some quality time, these are the most lovable monkeys on the planet .
An Italian photographer travelled to Chile where he visited several star-gazing sites, home to some of the world's most advanced telescopes, located in the spectacular setting of the Atacama desert .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
Grandmother Janet Kirby was told she couldn't board her plane home after being accused of assault .
This brave Hyena finally catches his pray among the thousands of flamingos, Lake Nakuru, Kenya - OUTNUMBERED among thousands of flamingos, this bold hyena is not put off from hunting for a morning snack .
A family of foster carers are facing bankruptcy and homelessness after they signed up to a Government scheme to renovate their house to be used for disabled children's short breaks .
A chipmunk, with his cheeks full to bursting, has no intention of leaving with an empty stomach .
STAIRWAY obsessed photographers have captured psychedelic shots that will mesmerise you .
AN ANGRY giraffe gave a bush-riding cyclist a scare when he stomped his £2K bike into the dirt .
A group of shelter dogs showcase their loveable personalities in a series of passport-style photographs - in the hope of finding their forever homes .