High up in the mountains and thousands of feet off the ground, a party of climbers were in for a shock as they came face to face with this frightening leap of faith. These daunting photographs were captured by Italian photographer Nicola Bombassei, 38, after he unexpectedly stumbled across the 3,000 meter high drop, at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy. 'The drop should have been fitted with a big wooden board over it, so that climbers can pass the cleft easily,' said Nicola. 'But when we arrived we couldn't find the board anywhere, and it was never an option not to complete the climb, so we had no choice but to take on the jump.
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .
A BLIND man was battered with a brick in a sickening attack by two thugs .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
EXPERTLY camouflaged, this clever panther chameleon knows how to catch its prey by surprise .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
With their guts spewing and eyes hanging out, these are the cuddly toys children might be reluctant to curl up to .
Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .
PICKING up a tiny tea-pot with its paws, a little red squirrel struggles to prepare its morning tea .
TOMORROW (Saturday) marks the 28th anniversary of the nuclear disaster that left the city of Chernobyl devastated .
Throwing a right hook as he launches onto his opponent with his gnarling teeth at the ready, this is the OTTER-LY ruthless showdown between two otters .
THIS LITTLE squirrel tries to keep himself snug as snow starts to fall around him .