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.
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
Oday she is a picture of health - a happy, smiling child, enjoying life to the full .
Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg .
FROM the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands to looming chalk cliffs in Sussex, these stunning photographs capture the spectacular beauty of Great Britain .
A woman has been left scarred for life after a botched eye lift burnt her eyelids .
AFTER splashing out on sexy black lingerie, Paige Way was excited for a romantic night away at a swanky hotel with her boyfriend .
Pictures of John Anslow a prisoner who escaped from a prison escort van in North Worcestershire Monday, 23 January .
A woman was left fighting for her life after an eczema wound became infected and caused a deadly flesh-eating bug to ravish a hole in her arm .
ESCAPING A LANDFILL FUTURE, these amazing science fiction inspired sculptures are made from everyday objects .
SPLASHING around in a paddling pool, this little elephant soaks up the sunshine .
Thousands of people are gathering at a stadium in Johannesburg for a memorial service for Nelson Mandela .
PUCKERING up and enjoying some quality time, these are the most lovable monkeys on the planet .