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.
A mother-of-one has revealed how a neighbour’s friend ‘mauled’ her face, leaving her scarred for life .
WITHOUT a care in the world, this little chimpanzee shows off her gymnastic skills as she swings around her enclosure .
CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia .
AN ANOREXIC dental nurse whose weight plummeted to less than four stone has won her NHS fight for more treatment .
LEAPING for joy five-feet above the waves this baby whale cutie is saying HELLO to its family after being lost .
A BAMBI was dramatically caught in mid-air by a greedy Nile crocodile in a once-in-a-million flying pincer move .
A woman who suffered from body dysmorphic disorder has overcome her illness by becoming a LINGERIE MODEL .
A BLIND man was battered with a brick in a sickening attack by two thugs .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .
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 .