Foxes, often active under the cloak of darkness, possess a diverse array of vocalizations that can sometimes startle those unfamiliar with their nocturnal habits. These sounds, which range from sharp barks to eerie screams, serve as a primary means of communication in the wild.
The Eerie Night Calls of Foxes
Among the most distinctive sounds a fox makes at night is a high-pitched scream, frequently described as a chilling wail or even similar to a human in distress. This piercing vocalization is common during winter, their mating season. Both male and female red foxes produce this sound.
Foxes also bark, typically short, sharp, and high-pitched. While somewhat resembling a domestic dog’s bark, a fox’s bark often has a more raspy or hoarse quality. These barks can occur in rapid succession or as distinct “wow-wow-wow” contact calls. Beyond these louder calls, foxes engage in softer vocalizations, such as chattering sounds known as “gekkering” during aggressive encounters or play, and whines or whimpers often used between a mother and her kits.
The Meaning Behind the Sounds
Loud fox screams serve several purposes. Attracting a mate is a primary function, especially for female foxes (vixens) during breeding season. Male foxes may also scream to warn off competing males from their territory. These screams are not indicative of pain or distress, but are integral to their reproductive cycle and territorial defense.
Fox barks function as communication signals within their social structure. They are used to alert other foxes to potential threats or the presence of intruders in their territory. Barks can also signal the location of food or serve as general contact calls between individuals. Softer sounds, such as whines and whimpers, are typically used for close-range communication, including interactions between a mother fox and her young, or to signal submission to a dominant individual.
Identifying Fox Sounds Among Other Nocturnal Noises
Distinguishing fox sounds from other nocturnal animals can be challenging. Fox screams are often mistaken for human screams or a child’s cries due to their high-pitched nature. However, a characteristic of the fox scream is its drawn-out, wailing quality.
Coyotes, another wild canid, also produce yips and howls that can sometimes be confused with fox sounds. Coyotes often howl in groups, and their sounds tend to be longer and lower in pitch compared to the shorter, sharper, and higher-pitched barks of foxes. Owls, such as the Barn Owl, can produce hissing or screaming sounds, but their calls typically lack the distinct, piercing quality of a fox scream.