A middle spotted woodpecker swoops into her nest and feeds her young in a forest in Trentino, Italy. Jacopo Rigotti, of Val Di Cembra, Trento, Italy, photographed the bird as she flew towards her nest, located in the trunk of a black pine tree, before feeding her hungry chicks a beakful of insects. The 25-year-old photographer says: "I decided to set up the camera on a tripod at the base of the tree, along with a flash that would help to prevent shadows in the photographs."
Raising his arms above his head and lying flat on his back, a polar bear stretches as he sprawls out across the ice .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
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 .
THEIR gnarling teeth at the ready, these two baboons fight it out for the last piece of fruit .
A pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .
A lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .
WITHOUT A care in the world, this little snow monkey puts his feet up and settles in for a snooze .
A BABY-faced burglar is starting a seven year stretch in custody after being nabbed by a Jaffa Cake .
CAUSING a splash, this determined kingfisher goes hunting for dinner .
Clinging on to their furry backs, mischievous monkeys appeared to enjoy the free transport as they rode around on a perturbed Capybara .
LIKE A living balloon this baitball of sardines is ready to burst when threatened by a pointy nosed sailfish .