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.
FIFTEEEN years after it was closed pictures by a British teacher show the calamity Hong Kong airport that was closed for being too dangerous .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
WITH A wide smile plastered across his face, this little gecko is ready for his close up .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH AR' KID: A POSTAL SORTER has perfected the art of time travel by delivering images that are from the past .
A chipmunk, with his cheeks full to bursting, has no intention of leaving with an empty stomach .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
Throwing their arms up in the air, these energetic squirrels play a game of ball with a walnut .
BOXING DAY has come early for this pair of feisty squirrels, as their Christmas party quickly turns sour .
A lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .
A cheeky gorilla sticks her tongue out and plays up for the camera at Bronx Zoo .