Why Do Wolves Howl

Sep 7, 2024

It fascinates, even terrifies, but also makes one wonder about the meaning hidden in front of us: we're talking about the howl, the typical cry of the Wolf, sometimes made by its "domestic cousin," the dog. We've learned to appreciate this unique fame through documentaries and movies about werewolves, though its causes and meaning are mostly unexplained. Do you know why wolves howl? Let's take a look.

What Does A Wolf Howl Mean

Wolves use howling as a "social call." In this way, the animals communicate their location to their companions, possibly to get the same information about other wolves. This vocal cue has another important function in hunting: it warns nearby wolves that another pack has taken over the area.

1. Wolf howling indicates a sense of community

There's something sad about the howl, but the sound doesn't necessarily have a negative background. When wolves howl, they want to communicate with each other, for example, when they come together to hunt. Wolf howling is also for contact with the opposite sex in order to establish a family.

While a Wolf howl may seem lonely, it essentially expresses a sense of belonging to the pack. The wolves will echo the howl. Animals can hear the howl and mark their territory from up to 15 kilometers away. The other wolves will report, "This is it, no further." If the wolves are unable to drive foreign wolves out of their hunting grounds, this can lead to battles over territory.

2. Precocious instinct

Wolf pups can howl from the age of four weeks. The main emphasis is on individual voice training, as howling is used when first bonding with the family. In addition, the pups learn the dialect of the pack, which varies by region and species.

3. The Wolf howled farewell

In some cases, Wolf howling is actually a form of melancholy: when a member of the pack leaves, animals will use howling wolves to express their sadness. According to the biologists, this phenomenon has been observed several times in an international study.

Why Do Wolves Howl At The Moon?

1. Myths and legends

There is an old legend that tells of a dark night when the moon descends on earth to explore the mysteries of the world. But while she was playing among the trees, she got caught in a branch. A Wolf comes to her rescue and they spend the night telling stories, playing and enjoying themselves.

The moon fell in love with the soul of the Wolf, and out of selfishness, she stole the shadow of the Wolf to remember that night forever. Ever since then, the Wolf has been howling at the moon, begging it to give her back her shadow.

2. Breeding season

At the beginning of the mating season, in February and March, wolves howl loudly. At this time of year, the forest is still bare. If the moon was still shining, humans would most likely see a howling Wolf. This is where the connection between howling and the moon comes from.

But actually, wolves don't really care about the moon. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that the phases of the moon are related to Wolf howling.

Why Do Wolves Howl At Night?

Wolves hunt mostly at dusk and at night. That's when most of them howl. Of course, they also communicate with each other during the day. But it's not as impressive as a Wolf howling in the dark.

How Far Can The Wolf Hear?

Wolves have very good hearing. Their ears are relatively small and triangular in shape. You can hear the howling of other species about 6 kilometers away, up to 10 kilometers away in good wind conditions. Even during rest and sleep, they can control their environment.

In addition, thanks to their flexible ears, they can locate sound sources. Wolves can even perceive rodent sounds in the ultrasonic range - a world completely imperceptible to human hearing. Wolves can hear frequencies up to 42,000 Hz, young people can hear frequencies up to 20,000 Hz, and older people can hear frequencies up to 11,000 Hz.

How Far Away Can You Hear A Wolf Howl?

If the Wolf howls towards the ground, his voice is inaudible. So the Wolf threw his head back and let out a howl that could be heard ten kilometers away into the night sky.

Why Do Wolf Dogs Howl?

Whether dogs or wolves, it's not uncommon to hear them howl. Dog howling is thought to be a different language: a manifestation that is less common and mostly related to other factors. In addition to the sled dog's familiarity with this reputation, dogs may cry to gain "social reputation" or appear in an uncomfortable state.

This explains the special circumstances if the dog is alone: the sadness of the situation causes the animal to crave its group, which in this case means its human owner.

Don't be afraid of the howls of our lovely friends, who respond to certain sounds, such as sirens or bells: this does not mean discomfort, but simply the desire to participate in the sound, often with interesting results.

To Sum Up...

Thus, Wolf calls can convey different messages: marking territory, gathering the pack, and asserting dominance as a male Wolf during mating. It's a very powerful and well-designed communication tool within the pack. Each Wolf and each pack has its own language to distinguish it from other packs.

>> How Do Wolf Packs Work?

COMPANY INFO: About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Affiliate Programs

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Contact Us Shipping Returns & Exchanges Billing & Payment TheWildLifeJewelry Credits

My Account: My Account My Orders Forget Passord Tracking Order Register

Subscribe To Our Newsletter