The fox is a common, widely distributed member of the canine family. Unlike the familiar sounds of domestic dogs, the calls of a fox can be startlingly unfamiliar and varied. The red fox, Vulpes vulpes, possesses a wide and complex vocal repertoire, categorized by researchers into over 20 distinct sounds used for communication. These vocalizations range from high-pitched screams, sometimes mistaken for a person in distress, to soft, intimate murmurs.
The Distinctive Sounds of the Fox
The most well-known and often disturbing sound a fox makes is the scream, commonly referred to as the vixen’s scream. This is an eerie, drawn-out wailing sound that is both loud and high-pitched, frequently traveling across long distances in the dark. The scream is often described as a harsh, rasping, or shrill shriek, which can be alarming to human listeners unfamiliar with the sound.
Another prominent adult vocalization is the bark, which differs significantly from that of a dog. Fox barks are typically short, sharp, and high-pitched, sometimes delivered in a series of three to five rapid bursts. The ‘wow-wow-wow’ or staccato bark is a specific series of repeated calls used for long-distance communication. When foxes engage in close-quarters aggressive interactions, such as fighting or intense play, they often emit a rapid, chattering noise called ‘gekkering.’ This open-mouthed, stuttering vocalization signals agitation or confrontation.
Understanding Vocalization Purpose
These loud, distinctive sounds serve specific functions, primarily related to territory and reproduction. The vixen’s scream is most frequently heard during the winter months, which is the peak of the mating season. Female foxes, or vixens, use this loud vocalization to advertise their presence and readiness to attract a mate.
Male foxes, or dog foxes, also use the scream or similar loud calls to announce their location and warn off rival males in the area. The sharp, high-pitched barks act as a form of territorial marking, letting other foxes know that a particular area is already occupied. A different version of the bark, the ‘yell-bark,’ is used as an alarm call to alert other foxes of danger. The timing of these loudest calls usually coincides with the breeding season.
Quiet Communication and Kits’ Noises
Beyond the loud, public calls, foxes rely on softer, more intimate vocalizations for close-range social interaction. Adult foxes within a family unit communicate using soft murmurs, churring, or purring sounds, particularly when greeting one another or during moments of submission. A mother fox uses a low growl or a “mew” sound to summon her kits, often signaling that it is time for them to feed.
Young foxes, called kits, have specific sounds that change as they mature. When kits need attention or are in distress, they use a whining or welping call. As they get older, this sound develops into a more rhythmic yelping, which serves as a contact call when they move outside the den. Kits may also use a high-pitched howl or an “explosive call” to threaten intruders or other kits during aggressive play.