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.
PERCHING on the edge of a flower, these loved-up caterpillars can't resist each other as they enjoy a romantic moment together .
TOMORROW (Saturday) marks the 28th anniversary of the nuclear disaster that left the city of Chernobyl devastated .
Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .
A cheeky chipmunk offers some of his spare food, before deciding against the idea and shoving the extra peanut into his already crammed mouth .
VIBRANT bursts of colour fill the screen as beautiful flowers blossom in these time-lapse videos .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
These are the amazing close up pictures of North Korea's mass games - after photographers were previously banned from taking shots so close to the dazzling formation dances .
A mum-of-two has revealed how her childhood friend of 20 years attacked her with a cosh and broke her nose in a vicious attack .
Magical photos of your baby smiling for the first time are a priceless treasure for many a proud parent .
Gigantic 100ft waves create the perfect playground for dare-devil surfers from across the world .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .