During nighttime hours, various animal noises are common. These sounds, ranging from chirps and squeals to barks and howls, often originate from nocturnal creatures as they navigate their environment, hunt for food, or communicate. Foxes are frequently responsible for some of the more distinctive and sometimes startling vocalizations heard after dark. Understanding these sounds can demystify the nocturnal soundscape.
The Diverse Sounds of Foxes
Foxes, particularly the widespread red fox, produce a wide array of sounds, with studies identifying around 12 distinct vocalizations from adults and 8 from kits. Among the most frequently heard at night are barks and screams, primarily because these are loud and carry over considerable distances. The “vixen’s scream,” an eerily human-like shriek, is often described as blood-curdling and can be quite startling.
Another common vocalization is the “wow-wow-wow” contact call, which can surprisingly resemble a bird’s call. Foxes also emit various barks, which can be short yips or sharp, dog-like sounds. While known for their loud vocalizations, foxes can also be remarkably quiet, moving stealthily. Their repertoire includes howls, squeals, growls, and a unique sound called “gekkering,” often heard during aggressive interactions or play.
Why Foxes Vocalize
Foxes vocalize for a variety of reasons, with each distinct sound serving a specific communication purpose. The loud, often unsettling screams, particularly from a vixen, serve to attract a male fox when she is ready to breed. This vocalization acts as an advertisement of her presence and reproductive status. Male foxes may bark in response to a vixen’s scream.
Vocalizations also play a significant role in territorial defense and communication. Barks can act as warnings to other animals encroaching on their territory or alert other foxes to potential dangers. During the breeding season, which often begins around January, foxes become noticeably more vocal. Beyond mating and territorial displays, foxes use sounds to communicate with their young, express distress, or signal excitement.
Identifying Fox Calls
Distinguishing fox calls from other nocturnal animals requires attention to specific characteristics and context. The fox’s scream, often mistaken for a human in distress, is uniquely piercing. It differs from the long, high-pitched howls of coyotes or the raspy screams of barn owls. Fox barks, while dog-like, are higher-pitched and quicker, sometimes resembling yipping.
Listeners should consider the time of year, as fox vocalizations, especially screams and barks, become more frequent during the breeding season (December through March). The overall setting also provides clues; foxes are present in both urban and rural environments, but the likelihood of hearing their distinct calls varies. Paying attention to sound qualities—pitch, duration, and whether it’s a single sound or a series—helps confirm if the night noise is a fox.