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.
WIDE EYED and staring straight down the lens of the camera, this intrigued seal is ready for his close up .
A photographer has captured stunning photographs of the Milky Way above picturesque landscapes in the UK and Italy .
Like a scene from a fairytale, THOUSANDS of fireflies create an enchanting glow as they dance in a forest .
SQUEEZING their furry faces through a hole in a tree, a trio of curious baby squirrels leave their nest for the first time to explore their surroundings .
PEACE and love filled the 1980’s Glastonbury fields as relaxed festival goers kicked back and soaked up the atmosphere .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .
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 brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
If you had to scrape the snow off your car this morning or slip-slide your way into work over icy pavements spare a thought for these little critters .
DIPPING and diving their way through this bumpy journey, these giraffe's duck for cover as they dodge multiple cables and wires .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .