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 dog was SOW close to death after she dangerously swallowed a two-inch NEEDLE-Cute Shih Tzu Daisy could have pierced her intestines after eating the long needle and thread after finding it on the carpet .
Blonde teen Jess Stubbs has certainly got girl power - as Britain’s youngest TRUCKER .
AN American accountant has grown the world's biggest MELON and smashed his way into the record books with his mammoth 350 .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
From the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons to the still waters in the Lake District, these photographs capture autumnal landscapes across Great Britain perfectly .
A carefree bear cub reclines in the water with his feet raised in the air .
A SPECTACULAR array of stars fills the night sky as they soar over this active volcano .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
Hot on the heels of a little rabbit, this cheetah is on a mission to catch his prey .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
THROWING himself off 1,100ft bridges in a wheelchair, this is the PARALYSED base jumper who knows no fear .
STEPFORD wives from the 1950's and 60's are performing history's most sexist exercise programme .