WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES. The luminous green lights that glow from the insects help to give the impression of an extract from a fairy-tale. The magical photographs were taken by photographer Takaaki Ishikawa, 55, on a trip to Nagoya City in Japan. 'Fireflies are very delicate creatures, so it is important to not catch or disturb them,' said Takaaki
Animal rescue volunteers have told how a cat riddled with cancer was forced to ripped off its own ears after it was abandoned by its owners .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
A little brown bear cub shows his doting mum that she is always on parent duty as he uses her as a scratching post .
MASKED intruders look sinister but really they are a gang of urban exploring pranksters .
A terrified moose, trapped in a frozen lake, bobs her head above the icey water and awaits her rescue .
DIPPING and diving their way through this bumpy journey, these giraffe's duck for cover as they dodge multiple cables and wires .
As sunlight cascades through its vibrant stained glass windows, every inch of the Nasir-ol-Mulk Mosque bursts with colour .
Lying angelically with a range of expressions etched on their tiny faces, little bundles of joy are innocently captured in their first few days in these adorable photographs .
A grey whale and her calf greet an audience of awestruck admirers on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico .
More weather chaos is heading our way, with ice and snow already hitting areas across Birmingham .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .