Foxes are prevalent wildlife, often heard before they are seen, and their vocalizations can be quite distinct. While related to dogs, their sounds are unique and sometimes surprising to those unfamiliar with them. Understanding these calls provides insight into their communication.
The Vocal Repertoire of Foxes
Foxes possess a varied range of vocalizations, including barks, screams, growls, and whines. Their barks are short, sharp, and high-pitched, often described as more yippy than a domestic dog’s. Red foxes can produce over 20 unique vocalizations.
The “vixen’s scream” is a notable sound, a loud, eerie, and drawn-out wail. This sound is often mistaken for a human in distress due to its intense and high-pitched nature. Another distinct sound is “gekkering,” a rapid, staccato chatter that can sound harsh and clipped. Foxes also produce softer sounds like whines and whimpers, resembling a dog’s whine.
Understanding Fox Calls: What They Mean
Each fox vocalization serves a specific purpose. Barks are commonly used for communication between foxes, especially during mating season or to mark territory. They also act as an alert signal or a general contact call, allowing them to identify each other and warn of potential threats. A short, sharp bark might signal immediate danger, while a longer, more raspy bark indicates a fox’s presence to others nearby.
The “vixen’s scream” is primarily a mating call, used by female foxes to attract males and signal readiness to mate. This loud call can travel long distances, becoming more frequent and intense as a vixen approaches ovulation. While predominantly made by females, male foxes may also scream to warn off competing males or establish territory. Gekkering is heard during aggressive encounters, such as fights over territory or mates, or during play among younger foxes.
Whines and whimpers convey need, submission, or fear. Young kits whine to express hunger or seek comfort from their mother, and adults may whine softly when approaching a mate or to diffuse aggression within a social group. Whimpers are quieter and signal submission when a fox faces a perceived threat.
Distinguishing Fox Sounds
Identifying fox sounds can be challenging, as they are nocturnal and their vocalizations can be mistaken for other animals. The high-pitched, human-like scream of a fox is often confused with a human scream or other animal distress calls. This sound is most common during the winter mating season, from December to January.
Fox barks, while similar to a dog’s, are sharper, higher-pitched, and often consist of brief bursts rather than repetitive sequences. Context provides clues; for example, mating screams are prevalent during specific seasons. Observing the sound’s characteristics, such as its pitch, repetition, and the time of year, helps in accurate identification.