I think it’s pretty hard to argue against the fact that humans are the coziest animals. We have weighted blankets, space heaters, stuffed animals, and Snuggies. But science has long debated over what creature deserves the coveted number two spot.
Maybe it’s naked mole rats, who all pile on top of each other in an underground sleeping chamber. Or maybe ovenbirds, who build sphere-shaped nests out of mud and clay. We can at least agree it’s not polar bears. Dens made of ice and snow are too cold.
Regardless of who’s the coziest, check out these fascinating pics of the interiors of various animal homes. Say “Aww” when you see a cuddle puddle of wolf pups. Then, notice that they’re lying in the dirt, and be glad you’re a human and have a couch.
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Mother warthog resting with its piglets inside their burrow
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A female warthog sticking its head outside of its burrow to defend its babies
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Inside the burrow of a burrowing owl, a small species of owls that digs tunnels to live in
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Burrowing owls inside their burrows.
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Man inside grizzly bear den
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Man inside grizzly bear den
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Man inside polar bear den
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Polar bear cubs in their den
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Inside an underwater coral cave, an important habitat for many sea animals
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Inside an underwater coral cave, an important habitat for many sea animals
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Inside of a termite mound
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Cross-section of a termite mound
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Termites in a termite mound
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A hyena cub inside its den
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Man comes face to face with black bear inside its den
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Man comes face to face with black bear inside its den
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Wolf pups inside of their den
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Wolf pups inside of their den
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Wolf pups inside of their den
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Red Ovenbirds build nests out of clay and mud
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Two red ovenbirds building a nest together
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The Sociable Weaver is a type of African bird that builds large communal nests.
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Sociable Weaver nests can contain 5 to 100 nesting chambers, providing a home for up to 400 birds.
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Naked Mole Rats live in complex underground colonies.
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Naked Mole Rats huddling together for warmth.
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Cross-section of an anthill
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A metal cast showing the interior structure of an anthill
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The inside of a beaver dam
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The entrance to the sleeping chamber inside of a beaver dam
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Exposed interior of a hornet’s nest
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The interior of a hornet’s nest