Foxes, members of the Canidae family alongside dogs and wolves, possess a wide array of vocalizations. Their sounds are more complex than simple barks or meows, contrary to popular belief. They communicate through diverse calls for various social interactions and environmental cues. Understanding these vocalizations offers insight into their lives.
Common Fox Sounds
Foxes produce various distinct sounds. One recognized sound is the “vixen’s scream,” a loud, high-pitched wail often compared to a human scream. This piercing vocalization can carry over significant distances.
Barks are another common sound, varying in pitch and intensity. Some barks are short and sharp, while others are longer and raspy. They also make “wow-wow-wow” barks, sometimes mistaken for bird calls due to their rapid nature. Softer sounds like whines, whimpers, and murmurs are also part of their vocal range. A chattering or clicking sound, known as “gekkering,” occurs during aggressive interactions or play.
Why Foxes Vocalize
Fox vocalizations serve many communication purposes. The vixen’s scream is primarily a mating call used by females to attract males during the breeding season. This loud signal broadcasts her availability, drawing partners from a distance. Male foxes also scream, sometimes to warn off competitors or during conflict.
Barks are used for various forms of communication, including territorial marking and defense. A short, sharp bark might signal immediate danger, while a longer, drawn-out bark can establish territory or attract a mate. Foxes use barks as a general contact call, helping identify each other within their territory and maintain social structure. Softer sounds, like whines and whimpers, are often used for communication between a mother and her young, or to signal submission to a dominant individual.
Hearing Foxes in Their Habitat
Fox vocalizations are most common during their breeding season, typically winter (December to February). During this period, their calls, especially the vixen’s scream, become more frequent as they seek mates. Foxes are primarily nocturnal, so their sounds are often heard after dark.
Foxes are found in rural, suburban, and urban areas, making their vocalizations audible in many settings. Distinguishing fox sounds from other nocturnal animals can be challenging; their screams are sometimes mistaken for human cries or the calls of owls or coyotes. However, the specific characteristics of fox barks (often higher-pitched than dogs) and the eerie quality of their screams can aid identification.