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.
A group of otters put on a show of aqua aerobics, as they raise their flippers perfectly in sync .
TOWERING 65 metres into the sky, this terrifying accent is a dream for climbers .
This is the amazing moment two white-tailed kites take an in-flight meal - exchanging prey at 100 foot high in mid air .
A cheeky chipmunk offers some of his spare food, before deciding against the idea and shoving the extra peanut into his already crammed mouth .
The rock restaurant, located in Zanzibar – THIS unique restaurant really does boast breath-taking views - as it is perched on a rock in the middle of the sea .
From vibrant blues to dazzling oranges, these eye catching hummingbirds proudly show off their impressive colours .
DIVING boffins fired harpoons into 30-foot-long whale sharks in a bid to put the sea-beasts on Google Maps .
The lighthouses of Brittany, from Brest to Le Conquet, stand tall on France’s north-western coast against stunning scenery .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
SAILING over crystal clear waters, the Bajau people of Malaysia live their lives almost entirely at SEA .
SOME OF the sea’s most terrifying creatures show their softer side as they join a group of diners for lunch .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .