Coyote sounds echoing through the night can be unsettling, often mistaken for screams. While coyotes do not scream in the human sense, their diverse vocalizations can produce sounds that are surprisingly similar and alarming. Understanding these calls clarifies what you’re truly hearing.
The “Screaming” Truth: Unpacking Coyote Sounds
Coyotes possess a wide range of vocalizations, some mistaken for screams due to their high pitch and intensity. These sounds often include high-pitched yips, barks, and howls, especially during chorus howls. A lone howl, which can rise and fall in pitch, is also among the most “scream-like” noises coyotes produce. This “screaming” perception involves rapid successions of sounds, wavering tones, and dramatically rising and falling pitches.
When a group of coyotes engages in a chorus howl, the variety of sounds produced, combined with how sound travels and distorts, creates an “auditory illusion.” This phenomenon, sometimes called the “beau geste” effect, can make two coyotes sound like seven or eight, amplifying their calls’ volume and intensity. These group yip-howls are typically initiated by a mated pair, with the male howling and the female interspersing yips, barks, and shorter howls. Other family members, such as offspring from previous years or current pups, may join, further contributing to the complex and often unsettling soundscape.
Coyotes also make yelping or scream-like sounds when in distress, often due to injury, fear, or being attacked. High-pitched vocalizations can easily lead an uninformed listener to interpret them as screams.
What Coyote Calls Communicate
Coyote vocalizations serve as a sophisticated communication system, conveying various messages within their family groups and to other coyotes. Howling primarily marks territory, asserting presence and warning others away. Group yip-howls, which can create an “auditory fence,” promote bonding within the family and act as a territorial display. This helps maintain the social structure and boundaries of their territory.
Coyotes also use sounds to locate pack members, especially over long distances. A lone howl can help gather the group or announce an individual’s position. When coyotes reunite, they may howl to acknowledge their location. These vocal exchanges reinforce social bonds and coordinate activities.
Warning signals are also important in coyote communication. Barks, particularly single, sharp barks, alert to potential danger. Rapid, aggressive barking or bark-howls are used for territorial defense or to intimidate approaching threats, like other animals or humans. Distress calls, including yelps and scream-like sounds, signal injury, fear, or submission. Coyotes may also use these sounds to de-escalate conflicts or show deference to a dominant pack member.