What might sound like a coyote “crying” or distressed is, in reality, a complex form of communication among these highly social animals. Their nighttime chorus serves various purposes, from announcing their presence to coordinating activities within their family groups. These vocalizations are intricate signals crucial for their survival and social structure, not expressions of sorrow.
The Coyote’s Diverse Vocalizations
Coyotes possess a wide range of vocalizations, each with distinct acoustic properties and communicative functions. Howls are long, sustained sounds, often rising and falling in pitch, and can be heard over significant distances. The frequency of a coyote howl typically ranges from 300 to 800 Hz, with an average around 400-600 Hz. These sustained calls are instrumental for long-distance communication.
Yips are short, high-pitched sounds, often delivered in a rapid succession, and are commonly interspersed with howls to create a “yip-howl.” This combination can make a few coyotes sound like a much larger group, a phenomenon that often leads to overestimation of their numbers. Barks are sharp, abrupt vocalizations used as a warning, and their intensity can reflect the perceived threat. Growls are low, guttural sounds indicating a threat or agitation, often used when defending territory. Whimpers and yelps are softer, higher-pitched sounds conveying submission, distress, or used in close interactions, such as between a mother and her pups.
Decoding Nighttime Howls and Yips
The howls and yips heard at night are primarily communication tools for coyotes, serving multiple functions within their social dynamics. One reason for these vocalizations is territorial marking, where coyotes announce their presence and delineate their boundaries to other groups. This “auditory fence” warns intruders from their established range. Howling also helps them advertise their territory.
These sounds also play a role in pack cohesion, helping family members find each other, especially after being separated during activities like hunting. A lone howl might be a call to gather the family group, while group howls are often heard when coyotes reunite. Coyotes also use vocalizations as warning calls, alerting others to dangers. A “bark-howl,” for instance, signals immediate alarm over a greater distance.
Vocalizations can also signify social bonding, such as after a successful hunt or during social interactions. Parents communicate with their young through various calls, including yips, to express distress or interact with pups. While some sounds might be mistaken for distress, coyotes generally do not howl after a kill, as this would attract unwanted attention from competitors.
Coyote Behavior and Human Coexistence
Coyotes exhibit adaptability, thriving in various environments, including urban and suburban areas. They adjust their diet and habits to available resources, utilizing green spaces, parks, and vacant lots within cities for shelter and foraging. While vocalizations are natural, they typically do not signal aggression towards humans.
Coyotes generally avoid human contact and flee when encountered. However, their comfort around people can increase if they associate humans with food sources, either intentional or unintentional. To minimize conflicts, secure food attractants such as garbage, pet food, and fallen fruit. Keeping pets supervised, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes are more active, contributes to safety.
If approached by a coyote, making loud noises, waving arms, and appearing large can encourage them to leave. This practice, known as hazing, reinforces their natural fear of humans. Avoid running away, as this might trigger a chase response. Understanding these behaviors fosters coexistence with coyotes in shared environments.