Understanding Fox Vocalizations
While foxes are part of the Canidae family, their vocalizations differ significantly from the drawn-out howls often associated with larger canids. Foxes do not typically “howl” in the traditional sense, though some sounds are described as a “scream-y variation on a howl” or a “yelp.” They possess a diverse array of other sounds, reflecting a complex communication system.
Foxes have a well-formed voice box with flexible vocal cords, enabling swift changes in pitch and tone. This flexibility allows for a wide range of sounds, setting their vocal repertoire apart from other canids. Adult foxes can make over 20 unique vocalizations, with kits having eight distinct sounds.
Common Fox Sounds
Foxes produce a variety of distinct sounds. One of the most frequently heard vocalizations is a bark, which can vary in pitch and duration. These barks often sound higher-pitched and sometimes more shrill than a dog’s bark. Some barks are short, sharp yaps, while others, like “yell barks,” are similar but drop in pitch towards the end.
The fox scream, or “vixen’s scream,” is high-pitched and can resemble a human cry. This eerie sound is often mistaken for a person in distress, especially when heard at night.
Foxes also make “gekkering” sounds, which are rapid, chattering or clicking noises. These can sound harsh and clipped, often involving quick rises and falls in tone.
Softer sounds include whines and whimpers, which are quieter and convey different messages. Growls are low, guttural sounds used to convey aggression or warning, similar to those made by dogs. Foxes also produce “ratchet calls,” which can sound like raucous bird calls, primarily used by males during mating season. Some barks, like the “wow-wow” bark, can also sound like ducks quacking, or even a bird.
The Purpose Behind Fox Calls
Fox vocalizations serve various functions. Barks are commonly used for communication between individuals, often for long-distance contact or to mark territory. For example, “staccato barks” are short and sharp, believed to help foxes keep in touch over long distances, while “wow-wow” barks may declare territory ownership. Male foxes also bark to announce their presence to rivals.
The fox scream is primarily associated with mating season, typically from January to March. Vixens use this scream to attract mates and signal readiness to breed. Males may also use a short scream to warn rivals away from their mates. This sound can also express distress or fear when a fox feels threatened.
Gekkering, the chattering sound, is often heard during aggressive encounters, such as fights, or during play among foxes, particularly cubs. Whines and whimpers are softer calls often used between a mother fox and her kits, or by submissive foxes interacting with a dominant individual. Growls indicate aggression or a warning, often used to tell other animals to stay out of a fox’s territory. These varied vocalizations allow foxes to convey nuanced messages.