Why do Foxes Scream at Night? And It’s Meaning

Many of us often hear the distant scream of a fox when night comes. Especially for those who are in a rural area, it’s a usual thing for them. But have we ever wondered why do foxes scream at night? You may not know, but there are some specific reasons.

Female foxes might roar to protect their kids from seeing unexpected predators. Male foxes often howl at night to announce their territory. And during their mating seasons, foxes scream to attract mates. Sometimes, they might even do it to alert other foxes by seeing some approaching animals or persons.

So there are many reasons why foxes scream. We’ll look at those reasons and try to understand what those noises mean. Stay tuned and get thrilled.

Why do Foxes Scream at Night?

Learn Why Foxes Scream at Night

There are several reasons why foxes scream at night. Some of the reasons may surprise you. Let’s see what kind of sounds foxes make before finding out their causes.

Foxes usually make different types of sounds. Growling, yelping, barking, or howling are their everyday noises.

Yet, one thing they frequently do is scream. They scream for two different reasons. To attract a mate during mating season, you’ll see them screaming. And the other reason is intruders—usually more giant predators—during times when food is scarce.

The following are the several causes why foxes scream at night.

1. To attract a mate and during the mating season

To attract mates is the reason why foxes scream at night in September. Their mating seasons start in December and can last until February. Before the mating season comes, they usually want to have mates. So, they screech to get attention.

Foxes also scream while mating season comes. Both male and female foxes scream when they are mating. Their mating period can last up to 20 mins. Also, during the time they are entwined together, they frequently shriek.

2. To Communicate with each other

Foxes usually scream as a form of communication. When you’re sitting on your porch at night, watching tv, you may hear them shouting ‘wow-wow-wow’ for contact. We’ve listened to this abrupt barking quite often in our childhood.

They also bark raspy to identify and communicate with other foxes. It is similar to dogs barking. If you don’t notice it carefully, you may feel like it’s your neighbor’s dog.

3. Vixen scream to let the male know breeding time

You may hear this sound in January, it’s their mating season. At this, the male one sticks with the female without mating. Once the female feels ready, she starts screaming the entire time they are together.

However, Vixen sometimes snarls and yelps to let their partner know she isn’t ready for breeding.

4. Vixens will make loud noises when mating

The female also makes noise when mating. During mating season, which is at its zenith in January, this is more prevalent. While mating and territorial disputes are common at this time of year, foxes will often scream at each other to alert one other of their presence.

5. To ward off other foxes and claim their area

Sometimes you may hear a desperate scream as if the animal is in pain. Yet, there’s no need to worry about it. They shout harshly to claim their area. The intense screeching of them keeps their enemies back off.

The predators are the most probable reason for fox’s screaming, howling, and shrieking. They screech loudly to keep their enemies away. By shouting wildly, they keep their enemies away and defend their territory.

6. Vixens acream to protect their babies

Female foxes create a sound like ‘Waah’ to protect their kids. It sounds like a long and sharp ‘Waaaah,’ though if you hear it closely, it sounds like a cough.

Whenever they find themselves in danger or any unexpected animals close, they sound this to alert their kids and frighten the bystanders.

Fox Noises and Meanings

Fox Noises and Meanings

It has been discovered that foxes make 12 different sounds. Cubs also have their creative noises as well to communicate with their parents and siblings. Here, I’ve come to know the meanings of a few noises that foxes make.

NoisesMeanings
The sound of a woman screamingTo warn the competing mate.
Short shrieksTo attract mates.
Raspy barkingFor communication.
Barking noise like dogsFor self-defense.
Wow-wow-wowContact calls.
A long WaaahAlarm calls.
Desperate screechingTo claim their territory.
Fox noise list and its meaning

How to stop foxes form screaming?

As screaming is their natural thing, you can’t make foxes stop. Even if you keep them away from your yard, you can still hear them screaming. Their screaming is loud, and you are likely to hear them if they are in your neighboring area.

Yet, there is a solution through which you can keep them far away from your territory. Fox repellent is a tool that creates an artificial scent that makes foxes think other animals have already marked the area.

Foxes usually avoid areas if they find any unusual odor. So, fox repellent is effective, and you can find it in your nearest market. If foxes keep their distance from your living area, it will reduce the pain of hearing their scream.

You can also create a mixture at home to create odor. For this, you have to mix chili powder and garlic in boiling water and spray the solvent around your home. It is the easiest way to deter foxes from entering your garden, as they are offended by the smell.

Summary

I hope you get the answer to your query: why do foxes scream at night. Their horrifying scream won’t frighten you now, I bet. And also, you have a solution now to keep them far away from your house.

Foxes scream to claim their territory, to find their mate, and while mating. And every noise they make has its meaning. As screaming is their contact interaction, they will scream no matter what.

Knowing the reason for their screaming will give you better sleep now at night. To know more about these mysterious animals, follow us and comment below without hesitation.

About Kate Bruce

I'm Kate Bruce, the animal enthusiast, head of content publishing team at Animallists.com. I've traveled the globe to connect with all kinds of creatures. I'm here to share insights and tips about the animal kingdom, whether you're a newbie or an experienced enthusiast. Get in touch at kate@animallists.com, and let's explore the world of animals together!

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