Coyotes, adaptable canids found across North America, are widely recognized for their distinctive vocalizations. Their sounds often evoke images of wilderness, especially the popular notion of howling at the moon. While common in folklore, the scientific reasons for their vocal behaviors stem from complex communication strategies, not lunar influence. Understanding these sounds provides insight into the sophisticated social lives of these fascinating animals.
Dispelling the Myth
Coyotes do not howl at the moon itself. The myth likely stems from coyotes being most active during periods of low light, when the moon is often visible. Their increased vocal activity simply coincides with the moon’s visibility, leading to the misconception. Research suggests coyotes may vocalize less on full moon nights, as increased moonlight improves visibility, making auditory communication less crucial. The moon’s phase or presence does not directly trigger their howling behavior.
The Real Reasons Coyotes Howl
Coyotes howl primarily as a form of communication, serving multiple purposes within their social structure. One significant reason is territorial marking, where howling acts as an “auditory fence” to define and defend their home range from other coyote groups. This loud, unified sound can deter potential intruders and prevent confrontations by clearly signaling that an area is occupied.
Howling also helps coyotes locate and reunite with members of their family unit or pack, especially after individual hunting excursions. This serves as a reunion call, reinforcing social bonds and strengthening group cohesion.
Additionally, coyotes use vocalizations as warning or distress calls, alerting others to perceived dangers or unexpected intruders. For instance, they might howl to signal the presence of a threat or to call for assistance from other pack members. Coyotes can also respond to environmental stimuli, such as sirens, interpreting these loud noises as similar to other coyote calls and prompting them to vocalize in return.
Types of Coyote Vocalizations
While howling is the most recognized sound, coyotes employ a diverse repertoire of vocalizations, each conveying specific messages. Howls are long, sustained calls for long-distance communication, helping coyotes locate each other or advertise territory. These can be lone howls from an individual or group howls from multiple coyotes. A group howl can sound like many more coyotes than are actually present due to the varied sounds produced by each animal and the way sound distorts in the environment.
Beyond howls, coyotes use yips, which are short, sharp barks often interspersed with howls. Yips can indicate excitement, playfulness, or alarm, particularly during social bonding or when pups are interacting.
Barks are short, sharp sounds primarily used as warning or alarm signals, often directed at intruders. A bark-howl, starting with a bark and transitioning into a howl, serves as a high-intensity threat or alarm.
Coyotes also use whines and growls for closer-range communication; whines often signal submission or a request for attention, while growls indicate aggression or a defense of territory or food. These distinct sounds allow for a complex communication system.