Cows mainly live on grasslands and savannas , which provide the natural environment for grazing. They are herbivores and typically live in groups called herds. In agricultural settings, dairy cows often live indoors in barns or cubicle stalls, where their movement can be restricted. They may be kept indoors most of the year, with some access to pasture during milder weather. Calves may live separately in small hutches for protection in their early weeks. Generally, cows prefer pasture environments, which are closest to their natural habitats, where they can graze comfortably and engage in natural behaviors like lying down, ruminating, and socializing.

In summary:

• Natural habitat: grasslands and savannas
• Agricultural habitat: indoors in barns (free-stall or tie-stall), with some pasture access
• Calves housed in hutches early on before joining group housing

This range of living environments depends largely on whether the cows are wild, dairy, or beef cattle, and the farming practices used.