The nocturnal soundscape often features howling, a distinct vocalization that can evoke both wonder and apprehension. Various animals employ this long, sustained call for different purposes, making it a widespread form of communication in the wild. Understanding the sources and meanings behind these nighttime howls can shed light on the complex lives of these animals.
Animals That Howl
Canids are particularly known for their howling, with distinct vocal patterns. Wolves (Canis lupus), for instance, produce lengthy, sustained howls that can travel over vast distances, sometimes up to 130 square kilometers in open areas. These sounds can be deep and melodious, with individual wolves often harmonizing rather than simply chorusing on the same note, creating the illusion of a larger group.
Coyotes (Canis latrans), often referred to as “song dogs,” exhibit a broader repertoire of vocalizations, including their characteristic group yip-howl. This often involves a mix of short howls, yips, and barks, making a small number of coyotes sound like a much larger pack.
Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) also howl, though their reasons and patterns vary greatly depending on breed and individual temperament. Some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, are more predisposed to howling.
Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), while also canids, produce barks, screams, and sometimes short howls. Their varied, often high-pitched calls can be mistaken for other animals.
Why Animals Howl
Howling serves multiple communication functions for animals, primarily for long-distance interactions. For wolves, howling helps pack members locate one another, especially when separated. It also acts as a territorial announcement, warning rival packs to stay out of a claimed area. This auditory marking supplements physical scent marking to define boundaries.
Coyotes use howling for similar purposes, including establishing territory and bringing pack members together. Their group yip-howls reinforce social bonds within a family unit while simultaneously signaling their presence to other groups. Howling can also serve as an alarm call, warning others about predators or intruders. Beyond these practical functions, howling can express emotions such as excitement or distress, particularly in domestic dogs experiencing loneliness or anxiety.
Telling Howls Apart
Distinguishing between the howls of different animals requires attention to specific auditory characteristics. Wolf howls are long, sustained, and low-pitched, often described as mournful. They tend to have less frequency modulation and can create a harmonized sound when multiple wolves howl together.
Coyote howls are generally higher-pitched and more varied than wolf howls, incorporating a mix of yips, barks, and short, choppy howls. The “yip-howl” of coyotes is particularly distinctive, creating an auditory illusion of many animals even when only a few are present.
Fox vocalizations are diverse; red foxes produce barks, screams, and sometimes short, sharp howls. Their screams can be unsettling and are often mistaken for other sounds. Domestic dog howls can resemble wolf howls, but they might also respond to specific human-made sounds like sirens.
What to Do When You Hear Howling
Hearing animal howls at night is a natural occurrence, indicating communication among wildlife. These sounds are not typically directed at humans and do not signify aggression. If you hear howling, observe from a distance and avoid approaching the source. Wild animals usually prefer to avoid human contact.
To ensure safety, keep pets indoors at night or supervise them closely in areas with wildlife. If you encounter a wild animal unexpectedly and feel too close, make your presence known by speaking calmly and backing away slowly. Avoid mimicking howls or interacting with wild animals, as this disrupts their natural behaviors. Allowing these animals their space and appreciating their calls from a safe distance promotes respectful coexistence.