These incredible photos seem to show a group of red squirrels preparing for February’s Winter Olympics.
Mini skis, a snowboard and even a tiny winner’s podium can be seen in the photos of the squirrel Winter Olympics, set-up by photographer Geert Weggen.
He captured the funny snaps after setting up the props outside his forest-based home in Sweden.
The 48-year-old from Bispgarden uses a mini outdoor studio with an open roof which is attached to a window of his house.
Weggen started photographing wild red squirrels in his garden five years ago and many of his images show the animals posing with miniature handcrafted props – he finds the lure of nuts helps attract the squirrels into unwittingly humourous poses.
He explains: ‘These photos I captured in the last four months. We already had snow in October here in the middle of Sweden, so I could create some winter sports pictures. The winter squirrel games is a funny, but difficult theme. There is not much light and although they visit my garden daily they are there only for a short period during the day. Many scenes have therefore taken me many days to complete.’
Photographer Geert Weggen captured hilarious photos showing red squirrels seemingly preparing for the Squirrel Winter Olympics, with the squirrel above looking like he’s riding a snowmobile
Although this red squirrel’s technique doesn’t seem to be the best, he looks ready to hit the Winter Olympic ski slopes
Weggen, 48, uses nuts to attract the squirrels and catch them making the hilarious poses with props, such as the Winter Olympic sign above
Second best: The squirrel on the right looks absolutely heartbroken as he watches another squirrel enjoy the nuts he failed to win
The squirrels look hilariously focused and determined in the photos captured by the Weggen, who started snapping the red squirrels outside his home five years ago
Uh-oh: This red squirrel seems to be regretting his love of nuts as the snowmobile he was perched on flies into the air off a mini snow cliff
Posing for the paparazzi!: This squirrel seems to have taken the Winter Olympics into his stride, as he throws his head back to take in an imaginary cheering crowd
Weggen claimed that he used nuts to help attract the squirrels into the poses, but this particular competitor looks determined to get an Olympic medal
Weggen has become something of an expert at catching out the squirrels, the photographer from Bispgarden uses a mini outdoor studio with an open roof which is attached to a window of his forest-located house
This squirrel looks like he’s taking a deep breath to compose himself as he waits by the sign to start his Olympic competition
Erm not quite: Although a lot of the squirrels look like seasoned competitors, some just look confused at the props around them
Almost: This squirrel also seems confused by the props laid out for him, though he seems to be enjoying playing with the big wooden skis
I’m done: This squirrel is either the most resourceful in the wild, or is simply done with the whole spectacle, taking away his equipment in an adorable mini-trolley
Erm, still not right: This squirrel keeps trying to use the skis properly but he looks more like a dramatic actor than a professional athlete
Kissing the trophy: The squirrel looks like a footballer as stands on top of a special mini-podium celebrating his victory by kissing an acorn