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. Brit photographer Simon Phillpotts captured a family of red squirrels darting about in the freshly fallen snow, looking frantically for somewhere to hide their nuts. The adorable squirrels were caught on camera near Hawes, North Yorks., as the country surrenders to the annual traffic and travel chaos caused by widespread snowfall. Simon braved the freezing temperatures to grab these amazing shots of the squirrels as they frolicked in the snow, jumping into drifts and hunting for grub amongst the white stuff. Simon said: "They were just running around, burying nuts - they don't stop, even in winter.
WIDE EYED with a huge smile across her face, this little elephant is a picture of happiness .
A BAMBI was dramatically caught in mid-air by a greedy Nile crocodile in a once-in-a-million flying pincer move .
An Italian photographer travelled to the highlands of New Guinea where he met an Indonesian tribe untouched by the modern world .
This frozen lighthouse in Michigan could easily be mistaken for a still from the snow swept disaster movie The Day After Tomorrow .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
PUSHING the diver out of his way, this little sea turtle shows he’s not in the mood for photographs .
SLEEPING within touching distance of wild African animals might not be everyone's idea of a relaxing break .
TUGGING on the wing of his sibling, this needy owl is after some attention .
A lazy tree frog, tired of hopping along a branch, chooses the slowest form of transport when it jumps on top of an unsuspecting snail .
FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .