The sudden, piercing sound of a scream echoing through the dark is startling for anyone unfamiliar with the source. This loud, high-pitched vocalization is a natural form of communication in the wild. The animal responsible is typically the Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes, which uses this sound as part of its behavioral repertoire. Understanding its function within the fox’s nocturnal life demystifies the unsettling noise.
Identifying the Noise
The sound that prompts most human concern is the high-frequency, drawn-out scream produced primarily by the Red Fox. This vocalization is so piercing that listeners frequently mistake it for the distress call of a human. It is distinct from the short, sharp yips or barks that foxes also produce, which sound closer to the vocalizations of a small dog. The acoustic properties of the scream allow it to travel over significant distances, making it sound much closer than it actually is.
The Red Fox has a broad range of vocalizations, but the scream stands out due to its volume. This vocal type is generally a long-distance call used to communicate across territories or attract attention. Other nocturnal animals, such as coyotes or owls, have calls that are lower in pitch, clearly differentiating them from the fox’s shrill shriek.
The Reason Behind the Shriek
This vocalization is directly linked to the fox’s reproductive and territorial behaviors. The most common period to hear the screaming calls is during the winter months, from late December through February, when the Red Fox breeding season peaks. Female foxes, known as vixens, are the primary emitters of the scream, using it as a long-range advertisement to attract males, called dogs, in a process known as the “vixen’s scream.”
Male foxes also employ a version of the scream, often lower-pitched, to communicate their presence to rival males and establish dominance. These vocalizations assert territorial boundaries without the need for direct physical confrontation. Furthermore, during mating, the vixen may continue to emit these loud, shrieking sounds. This screaming is a normal part of the copulatory behavior and is not an indication of injury or distress. Since foxes are nocturnal, these loud communications naturally occur during the quiet hours of the night, amplifying the startling effect on human listeners.
Beyond the Scream: Other Fox Sounds and Safety
While the scream is the most notorious vocalization, foxes utilize a dozen different sounds for various communication needs. Beyond the scream and the short bark, foxes make a chattering sound known as “gekkering,” which is a rapid, high-pitched series of notes used during aggressive encounters or intense play. Softer sounds, like whines and whimpers, are typically reserved for communication between a mother and her kits or as submissive signals between adults.
The noise is almost exclusively directed at other foxes, serving as a tool for mating, territorial defense, or warning. It is rarely an aggressive act toward a human. If a fox is seen or heard nearby, the recommended approach is to maintain distance and not attempt to feed it. This prevents habituation and encourages the fox to maintain its natural wariness of people. The animal’s primary motivation is to avoid human contact, making the shriek a sound of the wild, not a sign of threat.