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Bored Panda

Mariia Tkachenko

75 Incredibly Adorable Photos Of Animals Sunbathing That Might Heal Your Soul (New Pics)

The Sun (Person) CVMA National Geographic

There are times when it seems like a good idea to trade lives with animals. You wouldn’t have to worry about managing finances, keeping up with domestic chores, handling your career, and other ‘adulting’ obligations.

You could even spend most of your days basking in the sun, much like what these critters are doing. And just looking at these snapshots alone, you can tell that they are very much at peace, likely also very content at their current state.

May these photos provide you with some positive energy today. Don’t forget to upvote your favorites!

#1 He Finally Found The Perfect Spot For Sunbathing 👌

#2 Sun's Out, Bums Out

#3 Sunbathing Vibes

Unlike humans, animals don’t sunbathe to get a nice golden tan. Oftentimes, they do it out of necessity. One such reason is to maintain their body temperature at a stable level, a process called “thermoregulation.”

As National Geographic explains, this is common among cold-blooded animals like amphibians, reptiles, and fish like carp and ocean sunfish.

#4 Crows Sunbathing In The 26c Heat

#5 Figured You Guys Might Like Spark Sunbathing

#6 Just A Normal Sunny Day With Friends

For these animals, a cold environment slows their body’s chemical reactions that regulate vital processes such as immune function and muscle performance. They then need to seek out heat to “jumpstart” their bodies, and basking in the sun is one way they do it.

#7 Sun Bathing

#8 Just 2 Lazy Boys Chillin In The Sun

#9 The Sun Came Out Today And Switched These Guys Off

As Penn State University evolutionary biologist Tracy Langkilde explains to National Geographic, the amount of time these animals spend under the sun will depend on their size, needs, and their body’s ability to absorb sunlight.

“As temperature increases, the rate of all these processes will usually speed up. It’s critical for their survival,” she said.

#10 Ramsay Chilling Out In The Sun

#11 One Day Old, Soaking In The Sun

#12 Sunning On A Footbridge

However, it’s also worth noting that sun exposure may pose dangers to animals, particularly to pets. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), white cats and dogs (particularly Dalmatians and Bull Terriers) also get sunburned and experience red, peeling inflammation of the affected skin.

#13 Photosynthesizing Pup

#14 Caught My Cat Sunbathing Today

#15 Sunbathing With Pride

Pets may also develop skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure. According to the CVMA, it typically manifests as squamous cell carcinoma on the tips of the ears of white cats.

To avoid such health issues, the CVMA advises keeping animals indoors or in shaded areas, especially during the hottest parts of the day. This also helps reduce the risk of heatstroke.