Holy men who met their unholy ends
Found in the Arctic Circle, adult polar bears live generally solitary lives. Because of habitat loss caused by climate change, the polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species.
Ranging widely in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific, albatross are successful long-distance travelers and regularly circle the globe in effortless flight.
A semiaquatic egg-laying mammal, the platypus is generally regarded as nocturnal. It forages for hours alone in water, and can sleep as long as 14 hours per day.
Active primarily during twilight, skunks are solitary animals known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant smell when threatened. No wonder they're left alone!
One of Africa's "Big Five," the leopard is a solitary and territorial animal. Between hunting they are often found resting in trees.
Their subterranean lifestyle means this animal species is rarely seen above ground. Regarded as an agricultural pest for its habit of burrowing and raising molehills, moles are solitary creatures, coming together only to mate.
The cuddly koala is an asocial animal—it avoids social interaction, and is inconsiderate, even hostile, towards others of its species. Koalas also sleep for up to 20 hours a day.
One of the slowest-moving creatures in the animal kingdom, sloths maintain a quiet and unobtrusive lifestyle, spending most of their lives hanging upside down in the trees of the tropical rain forests of South America and Central America.
Armed with a reputation for ferocity and strength, the solitary wolverine patrols some of the remotest regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
An endangered species, the cute red panda keeps to itself, adopting a solitary lifestyle and being mainly active from dusk till dawn.
The giant anteater is native to Central and South America. Mostly solitary except during mother-offspring relationships, it includes termites in its diet and is happy left alone foraging, unless two males decide to clash over a territorial dispute.
The tiger ranks among the most recognized and popular of the world's big cats. It's also one of the most endangered. A solitary but social predator, the tiger is also territorial and requires large areas of habitat.
Beyond summer, these diminutive and naturally camouflaged animals spend their time alone hunting small rodents. The Arctic fox can tolerate temperatures as low as -50°C (58°F).
Endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and listed as an endangered species, it's rare to see this handsome cat in the wild. Very much a loner, its home range can extend up to 12.2 sq.km (4.7 sq.m).
Most pangolins are nocturnal. However, they have very poor vision, so they rely heavily on smell and hearing to hunt and get around. Pangolins are solitary and meet only to mate. Threatened by poaching, pangolins are the most trafficked animals in the world.
Native to the Indian subcontinent, South China, and Southeast Asia, the majestic sambar deer is mainly nocturnal, though if you're lucky you might see one at twilight. Males live alone for much of the year, while females live in small herds.
Critically endangered, the European mink does not form large territories and is a sedentary species, confining itself for long periods in its burrow in very cold weather.
The magnificent okapi is another endangered animal. Closely related to the giraffe, okapi are native to the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. They are found nowhere else on the planet. Needless to say, they are solitary beasts, coming together only to breed.
The largest animal known to have ever existed, the blue whale is generally solitary or found in small groups.
A nocturnal bird, nightjars are mostly active in the late evening and in early morning or at night. Widespread, this secretive bird species rests alone on the ground, its mottled plumage providing excellent camouflage.
It's fortuitous for us that this serpent does indeed prefer a remote, inland habitat (central east Australia), because this is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. By nature shy and reclusive, it will defend itself if it feels threatened.
As its name suggests, the solitary sandpiper is not a gregarious bird species. Indeed, it's seen alone during migration.
The red squirrel is a shy and solitary animal. Its active period is usually spent foraging and feeding, and it is reluctant to share food with others.
Wolves live and hunt in packs, right? Well the maned wolf is not actually a wolf, and this solitary animal does not form packs. Moreover, it typically hunts alone, usually between sundown and midnight.
Endemic to Queensland and Victoria, the swamp wallaby is typically a solitary animal, preferring to hide out in thick undergrowth in forest and woodland and only emerging at night to feed.
See also: Marvel at the most radiant wildlife on Earth.
The largest of all living turtle species, the leatherback is prone to solitary long-distance ocean migration.
Black rhinoceros are generally thought to be solitary, with the only strong bond being between a mother and her calf. The species overall is classified as critically endangered.
Found in the wild only on the island state of Tasmania, this carnivorous marsupial is usually solitary, though it sometimes eats with other devils.
Native to the Indo-Pacific regions, this striking denizen of the deep is a colorful predator known for its venomous fin rays. It's left alone on purpose by most sea creatures.
While its name suggests otherwise, the solitary cacique is sometimes found in pairs, but does not join flocks of birds. You're most likely to see it enjoying its own company.
No one knows better about how to have a good time on your own than these majestic creatures. Here's a collection of animals that enjoy their own company
The life of okapi and other solitary animals
Explore the most solitary wildlife species on the planet
LIFESTYLE Wildlife
It may be hard for humans, but there are many members of the animal kingdom that live alone as a way of life. In fact, many species are totally at home leading a single lifestyle in a remote location.
Click through this gallery and take a look at some of the most solitary wildlife on the planet. Enjoy!