denning
Retreating to lair
Denning is the act of an animal retreating to or occupying a den, especially for hibernation or giving birth.
Bears spend winter denning in caves or hollow logs.
Wildlife biologists study denning behavior to understand animal populations: The researchers tracked the wolf's denning site.
As a gerund, it can modify nouns: denning season, denning habitat.
Animal's hidden dwelling
- burrowAnimal's dug dwelling
- caveUnderground hollow in rock
- nestAnimal-built shelter for young
- hideoutSecret place of refuge
refuge · sanctuary · haven · retreat · dugout · earth · warren · hideaway
Organism's natural environment
- territoryLand under jurisdiction
- predatorOrganism that consumes others
- preyAnimal being hunted
- forageSeek food actively
ecosystem · fauna · carnivore · nocturnal · instinct · maternal · cubs · whelping
Inactive, sluggish state
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- slumberLight, restful unconsciousness
- restCessation of activity
- inactivityLack of movement
metabolism · quiescence · sleepiness · overwintering · fat reserves · emergence · awakening · survival
lair
Animal's hidden dwelling
hideout · refuge · sanctuary · haven · retreat · dugout · earth · warren · hideaway · seclusion
habitat
Organism's natural environment
forage · ecosystem · fauna · carnivore · nocturnal · instinct · maternal · cubs · whelping · breeding
torpor
Inactive, sluggish state
inactivity · metabolism · quiescence · sleepiness · overwintering · fat reserves · emergence · awakening · survival · metabolic
snug
Comfortably close-fitting
- warmthHeat you feel
- comfortablePhysically at ease
- nestledSettled into a sheltered position
soft · intimate · restful · peaceful · safe · secure · tranquil · fireside · retreat · enclosed
- animal behaviorsswimming, running, walking, jumping, flying
- winter survivalhibernation, hibernate, dormancy, torpor, winter coat
- animal diggingburrowing, tunneling, excavating
- predator controltrapping, shooting, culling, snaring, poisoning
- animal parentingnursing, weaning, feeding, bonding, teaching
- home activitiescleaning, cooking, sleeping, bathing, eating