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.
PERCHED on a branch, this Little Owl plays third wheel to two love birds .
PEACE and love filled the 1980’s Glastonbury fields as relaxed festival goers kicked back and soaked up the atmosphere .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
FISTS fly as two gorillas take each other on in a dramatic battle .
A SPECTRUM of colours fills the sky during this spectacular and natural display of light .
THESE kaleidoscopic-like photographs capture England’s churches and cathedrals in all their glory .
MEET the little lion of suburbia with a mane that makes him look like a mini-king of the jungle .
A BLIND man was battered with a brick in a sickening attack by two thugs .
SPARKLING bright inside their box, it’s hard to believe these diamonds are made from the cremated remains of the deceased .
PERCHED on a branch, these two frogs hold hands as they look into the camera .
AN OLD ENGLISH cottage packed full of history and valuables has been left to rot .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .