A coyote howl may sound like just any other animal call or sound, especially if you are new to animal calls. However, the coyote howl is among the most compelling sounds in the wild and it would be beneficial for you to understand the howls especially if you are a hunter. Usually, when a coyote calls out, others are likely to respond. What you will hear is a chorus when pack is together usually at night.
But what exactly does the coyotes howl mean when alone or in a pack? The sounds being made and the number of coyotes calling out mean different things. Whereas some sounds maybe like those of a barking dog others can be like wolf howl. The fact is that the noises and animal calling out convey distinct information.
Common coyote sounds
Growl – it is a sound that has no mystery to it and it is produced by the animals when there is threat present very near where they are.
Woof – It is an alarm given by the coyotes when there is low intensity threat. The woof is so much like that of a dog and the coyotes will make it when they are not very comfortable with something that is around them even though not necessary targeting them.
Huff – It is a high intensity sound that will most often be made when there is threat present in close proximity of the coyotes. It is usually made to distract the threat and secure the place.
Bark – It is similar to that of a dog and it will be produced once the coyotes spot something away at a distance. It works also by distracting whatever is in the distance or making the presence of the coyote known.
Bark howl – This is a threat sound that is high intensity. Coyotes will make this sound when they start getting very concerned and serious about a threat. It is will usually start as a bark and then gradually develop into a high pitched howl.
Woo-oo-wow – The call is usually a greeting sound and the coyotes also make it to express unity and presence. Unlike other sounds, this is a happier more celebratory kind of sound among packs.
Coyote Howls and their meaning
Lone single call – It is the most iconic call for the animals and usually it is a member of a pack trying to locate others. Coyotes are naturally very social animals and lone members will always seek others in the common group or pack. What you will most likely hear after a single lone call is a response.
Group chorus – A coyote chorus from a distance is definitely a situation where single pack members are converging together. The reasons for the noises can be anything from greeting each other or displaying unity and dominance in a given area. Packs often use the group choruses to mark their territories. If there is an intruding coyote calling out in the territory, then what it receives is a chorus response when it howls. This is a simple sign that the space has its owners and the stranger needs to leave.
Rapid yelping calls – A series of yelping calls that are rapid is another common howl sound made by coyotes. They are sounds made when responding to a startled coyote or when a pup is in distress. The calls are usually loud and drawn out and it is very similar to a dog yelp. If you move too close to a den of coyotes, then this is the sound they are most likely to make. Parent coyotes yelp rapidly as they flee a den when there is perceived threat to distract and draw threats away from the den and any offspring they might have in it.
Yipping calls – The coyote sounds are distinct and quite different from yelping calls. These sounds come in quick succession and are quite high pitched. The calls are made when there is a pack hunting for something in a group.
End of the Discussion of Coyote Howl
Not all coyotes are members of single pack. Usually packs are made of the whole coyote family complete with parents and offspring and they remain united until the offspring is adult enough to disperse from the group and start a pack of their own. A family can have four to five members.
If you are familiar with howls, then it should not be that hard to tell one from the other even when it is coming from an intruder. Once you hear the sounds, it is important to remember that you are not generally in any danger. You should however do your best to listen to the animals and locate sound direction so you avoid closing their paths directly. If you are hunting, then the howls can guide you to the right direction.