The image of the coyote (Canis latrans) silhouetted against the night sky, head thrown back in a cry toward the moon, is a powerful piece of American folklore. This popular notion suggests a celestial influence over their behavior, but research confirms the moon has no known effect on the vocalization patterns of this adaptable canine. The motivations behind the coyote’s complex vocal repertoire are rooted in social structure, territorial defense, and communication.
Why the Myth Persists
The misconception of the coyote howling at the moon largely stems from a simple, yet powerful, visual correlation. Coyotes are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning their highest activity periods naturally coincide with dusk, dawn, and the darkness of night when the moon is visible. This pattern ensures their vocalizations are most frequently heard by humans when the moon is in the sky, creating an association between the two.
The physical mechanics of producing a long-distance howl further reinforce this visual narrative. To achieve maximum sound projection, a coyote tilts its muzzle upward, which is necessary to direct the sound waves skyward and allow the vocal cords to fully stretch. When a person observes this posture at night, the upward-facing animal appears to be gazing directly at the moon, cementing the idea that the lunar body is the object of its attention.
Real Reasons for Coyote Vocalization
Coyote howling is an effective form of long-distance communication, designed to travel over significant terrain to convey information across a family unit’s territory. The primary motivation for a sustained howl is territorial declaration, creating an “auditory fence” to warn rival coyotes away from a specific area. This vocal presence is a low-cost method of defense, allowing the resident group to advertise their occupancy without physical confrontation.
Howling also plays a role in maintaining the cohesion of the family group. A lone howl is often used to locate or rally dispersed pack members, calling individuals back together after they have hunted separately. When a mated pair or family reunites, they frequently engage in a group yip-howl, which functions to strengthen social bonds and affirm their collective status. This group vocalization creates an acoustic illusion known as the “beau geste” effect, making two or three coyotes sound like a much larger group to potential intruders.
The Vocabulary of Coyote Sounds
The classic, sustained howl is only one component of the coyote’s complex vocal arsenal, which is comprised of distinct sounds, each serving a unique social function.
Long-Distance Calls
The howl itself is the long-distance call. The yip is a shorter, higher-pitched, and often more excited sound frequently heard in a chorus with the howl. Group yip-howls are common during social bonding or as a territorial response, with rapid variations in pitch and timing helping to create the auditory illusion of many animals.
Close-Range Communication
Coyotes utilize shorter vocalizations for specific, close-range interactions. The bark, which can be mistaken for a domestic dog, acts as a medium-intensity warning or alert to a distant threat. When a threat is imminent, the coyote may transition into a bark-howl, an alarm call designed to warn pups or deter an intruder. For intimate communication, the animals use a whine to express submission or as a sound between a parent and its young. A low growl or huff signals a threat or anger over a resource.