Mysterious squeals piercing the night often spark curiosity about their source. Many nocturnal animals use high-pitched squeals for territorial defense or attracting a mate. Identifying these sounds requires understanding common nocturnal animals and their vocalization contexts.
Common Nocturnal Squealers
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are known for high-pitched screams or squeals, often sounding like a human in distress. These vocalizations are primarily used during mating season to attract partners or warn off rival foxes from their territory. Females emit shrill shrieks to lure males.
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) produce various squeals. They use these noises for communication, especially during aggressive encounters, mating, or when young kits call for their mothers. Baby raccoons produce high-pitched chirping or whining sounds to signal hunger or discomfort, which can sometimes be mistaken for bird chirps. Adult raccoons may squeal due to excitement, such as finding food, or as an expression of aggression to deter others.
Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) can produce hissing and squealing sounds when threatened, though they are generally quiet animals. These sounds are part of their defense mechanisms, which also include “playing dead.” They also make clicking noises to attract mates, and babies may make sneeze-like sounds for parental attention.
While most bat echolocation calls are at frequencies beyond human hearing, some bat species produce audible squeaks and squawks, especially when in their roosts or communicating between mothers and pups. These audible sounds differ from their ultrasonic echolocation pulses used for navigation and hunting. Rodents like mice, rats, and voles frequently emit high-pitched squeaks, often in distress, fighting, or when young communicate.
Bobcats (Lynx rufus) produce loud, startling vocalizations, including squalls, screams, and yowls. Their screams are common during breeding season, and some have been described as sounding like a woman screaming. They attract mates or indicate territorial presence. Some owls, like the Barn Owl, are known for a raspy, drawn-out scream rather than a typical hoot, often for territorial display or communication.
Deciphering the Squeals
Analyzing the squeal’s characteristics provides valuable clues for identification. Consider the sound’s pitch: is it high-pitched like a rodent’s squeak or a fox’s shriek, or lower and more guttural like some bobcat calls? The sound’s duration is also important, differentiating between short, abrupt bursts and sustained, drawn-out cries. For instance, a fox’s scream can be long and wailing, while a raccoon’s squeal might be shorter.
Pay attention to the vocalization’s pattern. Does the animal emit a single squeal, a series of repetitive squeals, or a sequence that changes in intensity or frequency? The sound’s volume, whether faint or loud, can indicate the animal’s proximity and size; some animal screams can carry significant distances.
Observe the apparent location where the sound originates—from the ground, a tree, or an open field. This helps narrow possibilities, as different animals inhabit different environments. Note the context, such as whether the sound occurs consistently at certain times or in response to other sounds, for additional insights into the animal’s behavior.
Beyond the Sound: Further Identification
Once the sound is analyzed, other observational clues can help confirm the animal’s identity. Look for visual signs in the morning, such as tracks, droppings (scat), or foraging signs. Tracks in soft ground or snow can reveal paw size, number of toes, and claw marks. Droppings indicate the animal’s diet and recent activity.
The specific time of night the squeals occur can also be indicative, as many nocturnal animals have peak activity periods. For example, raccoons are most active at night when searching for food. Consider the surrounding environment and habitat type; an urban backyard will likely host different animals than a dense forest or wetland.
Always observe wildlife from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them or putting yourself at risk. Many parks recommend staying at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from larger predators. Numerous online resources and sound libraries provide recordings of various animal vocalizations for further comparison.