Baby, It’s Cold Outside! 5 Animals Who Use Snuggling for Survival

The weather outside may be frightful, but cuddling is so delightful!  Whether it be with a friend, significant other, or companion animal, cuddling makes us feel great. Why? The act of physically bonding with another living animal stimulates the release of oxytocin, commonly known as the “cuddle hormone,” from the brain into the bloodstream, pituitary gland, or other parts of the brain. Cuddling has the ability to reduce stress, the risk of heart disease, and social anxiety. It can also relieve pain, boost one’s immune system, and deepen bonds.

It is true cuddling has many warm and fuzzy benefits. But we bet you didn’t know this behavior could even be a vital survival strategy! Being cute and cuddly could actually be an important survival tactic for all animals in a world dominated by human influence. We humans care about animals that make us go, “Aww” and they receive greater attention.

“Natural” selection might actually be favoring cuddly animals due to Conservation efforts aimed toward their protection. The risks of less popular animals becoming extinct, meanwhile, are more likely to be ignored. We need to focus on caring for all species, cuddly or not. Check out some of these amazing animals that actually rely on cuddling to stay alive!

1. Emperor Penguins

Living in an Antarctic environment where wind chills can reach -76°F (-60°C), emperor penguins are known for using cuddling – well, technically huddling – as a survival tactic to keep warm. These fascinating birds will take turns rotating to the interior of their huddle group (which could consist of up to 5,000 members!) to get warm and toasty. Next time you’re out in the cold with friends, give the penguin-huddle a try! The penguins have proven it works…

  Christopher Michel/Flickr

2. Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys

These monkeys endure subzero temperatures, so even though they have amazingly soft fur, it’s necessary for them to have plenty of cuddle buddies…sometimes they live in groups of up to 600 individuals!

Wikimedia Commons

3. Lions

Being on the top of the African food chain might seem easy, but in fact, lions are in life-threatening danger every day of their lives. How could cuddling possibly help make life easier for these magnificent animals, you ask? Male lions can become very competitive and aggressive toward males of differing prides when competing for females. As we know, there is strength in numbers and it couldn’t hurt to have a few extra guy friends to back you up when trouble arises. Thus, lions are known to cuddle with one another to strengthen bonds and ties within their established pride.

Bonk/Flickr

4. Japanese Macaques

Monkeys in the snow?! That’s right – Japanese macaques live the farthest north of any primate (besides humans) in the world. They have a very human-like face and human-like hands. Like humans, they also love to cuddle, especially because it’s always cuddle weather where they live! Can you imagine living in such a chilly climate area with no access to heated facilities? You can guess why cuddling would be important for these snuggly macaques.

SITSGirl/Flickr

5. Interspecies Connections

This hippo and tortoise show how important cuddling can be, even when animals are not able to be with their own species. Think about it … this could be why companion animals enhance your own life through physical contact (petting, holding close, snuggling) – physically, emotionally, and mentally!

 photobucket

Lead Image Source: Property#1/Flickr