Coyotes are among the most common animals hunters run into both at home and in the wild.
They are spread across the US, with the eastern coyotes being larger than those seen out west.
Coyotes are interesting animals, and very vocal to boot. They are one of the few animals not easily displaced by expanding cities. Coyotes are often seen sprinting across roads, railroad tracks, even parking lots of shopping centers.
Perhaps their most notable trait is the coyote’s howl. Let’s take a look at some basics of coyote howls, and everything you need to know about them.
Everything you need to know about coyote howls
1. Do coyotes howl?
The short answer is YES!
Coyotes do howl, and because they travel in packs, they often howl all at once.
A coyote howl is kind of like a high-pitched squeal. In some ways it is similar to a dog bark and in other ways it is very different.
The howl starts relatively calm, with some yipping and squealing. As more and more coyotes join in, it starts to sound like a group of old people laughing hysterically all at the same time. In the most annoying, high-pitched laugh possible.
Many who live in Western areas like Colorado, Utah, and other states encounter coyote howls regularly.
Those that live on the fringe of big cities or in rural areas often here the howls at night, after dusk, as the pack moves towards their location for the evening.
Here is a great video of coyotes howling:
2. Why do coyotes howl?
The coyote howl is the main form of audible communication between coyotes.
Coyote packs, typically families, may spread out to hunt on their own.
The howl, in this case, would be started by a pack leader with the intention of bringing the pack back together again.
A prolonged session of howling may indicate that the pack is spread out. As more and more coyotes join in, the collective howl continues to get louder and more prolonged.
Embracing the true pack mentality, coyotes are territorial creatures. One pack crossing onto the territory of another pack (often a larger or more settled one) is severely frowned upon. This is a frequent source of why coyotes howl. The howl is basically a warning, as if to say “Stay off my lawn.”
3. When do coyotes howl?
The main coyotes doing the howling are the small group (often 2) of lead coyotes who are mated and head the pack.
Because of the way that their howls change pitch as they are emitted and pass through the surrounding environment, it often sounds as though there are as many as a dozen coyotes howling at once.
This is usually not the case when orders are being barked.
However, other coyotes will howl when they need to respond. If other pack leaders are in the area, they may decide to start howling as well, and this is when coyote howls really get going.
They can stretch across acres of terrain. In suburban areas, because coyotes aren’t turned off by the houses and development, this often causes quite a noise disturbance.
The lead coyotes howl when they need to alert the group to come back together. They also howl when they are disturbed or upset.
This type of howl will be done usually by only one coyote at a time, and isn’t meant to cause a whole chorus of replies.
If you are walking your dog and the coyote catches wind of it, he may emit a howl at the perceived threat. This can also happen when no dog is present.
4. What do coyote sounds mean?
Typically, coyote sounds reflect the current communication needs of the coyote.
Whether that be a warning from the alpha coyote to the rest of the group, or one coyote noting a threat.
It can also mean that there is a disturbance or annoyance to that particular animal.
Often, coyotes will howl to alert the group of a threat real or imagined.
Maybe a coyote is wandering around the edge of a territory and comes across something of note. A howl may then be used as a signifier.
Coyotes have great hearing, and can often comprehend a howl and its purpose from over a mile away. This is especially true during group howls, as the sound carries across the landscape. A coyote may emit a howl so that others in the pack know where he or she is and can find their way to their family member.
Here is a video of different coyote howls and noises.
5. What should I do when I hear a coyote howl?
If you hear a coyote howl, but can’t see the coyote, the first thing to do is keep an eye out. They are nearby, and are likely aware of your presence. They aren’t prone to attack humans straight away. They also spook easy and will retreat if they feel threatened.
In most cases, the coyote howl is internal communication between the pack and not intended for you at all. When more than one coyote is howling at a time near you, they are using normal communication to call the group back together or perform other routine tasks. It can sound intimidating, but shouldn’t necessarily be perceived that way. Coyotes aren’t usually on the prowl for humans in highly populated areas.
Still, it is advised to move away with caution. Absolutely do not run at the coyote or throw sticks or rocks at it.
Conclusion
This should give you a basic understanding of coyote howls and what their intended purpose is. If you are using ar10 rifle, i have the post about the best ar10 scope for hunting, you will find the good scope for your ar.
As you can see, these howls are not usually meant to be threatening to humans in any way.
The coyote communicates with those in his pack regularly, and the howl is their standard verbal diction.
There is no need to fret when you hear a coyote howl. Instead, stop and listen and try to figure out what you think the coyote is trying to say.
Share your thoughts on coyote howls down below in the comments.
Also, please share this article on social media so that we can spread awareness of what coyote howls mean and break any preconceived notions that are just plain false.
Coyotes are lovely creatures.
I awake to our dogs barking and howling at about 3:00 in the morning. It’s a coyote howling on/near our acreage. We only ever hear the one but its howl is horrible, loud, and frightening. I’m concerned for our lone pony out in our pasture and for our outside dog. My husband is a trucker and often gone. I’m tired of this thing coming around.
Hope you can find a solution for this. It will not be okay if you do not solve it thoroughly
I wouldn’t worry so much about the pony I’m not an expert by no means but coyotes hunt what they have the most of from rabbits to stray cats you name it they will hunt but nothing large new born beer is about the largest there go for normally. They eat plants a lot more then what people think what ever they have more of and is fast and easy is what they are after don’t stress your pony will be fine
I also hunt “large new born beer”, usually while watching football on Sundays. I always consume what I kill and my weapon of choice is a frosted mug.
They will tare apart your pony, eat your dog until bones are left… They are savages, dont underestimate them… So to be so dim, but true 🙁
They can take down deer cattle savages, large dog, saw a picture of a dog, people pet, was only bones left. And the head 🙁
Bring the outside dog in. Lock your pony in a barn at night. If you’re scared they probably are terrified, considering they likely know they are prey.
Also, aside from putting them in secure shelter at night I would like to add a couple of things. A pack of coyotes are definitely capable of taking down a pony and devouring a dog. They are carnivores not vegetarians.
Also, while you may be tired of it coming around and seek to cull it, remember that a new coyote will come into the vacant territory and may be even more vicious. Leave it alone. Instead make your pony and pet safe and secure and it will alleviate your anxiety.
I have two dogs, one of which is young and often needs to pee at night, and enjoys letting anything with ears nearby know that he’s outside now. One night we got a response in the form of a pack howl (probably 3 or more coyotes) from woods that are about two football fields from our house. I’m not going to lie, it scared me a bit. It sounded as though there were 15 of them, and they were disturbingly close. My dogs barked back, but are on an invisible fence, and both listen relatively well, so we just went back inside. I took this to mean ‘shut up. We don’t like you. This is our turf.’ In the months since we’ve had the same experience repeated, but from a greater distance. Then two nights ago, while I was up late working on a project, with all of us inside, we heard one yipping outside in a field across the street, probably 30-50 yards from the house. It doesnt seem like a coincidence that a coyote who twice has told us we’re on its territory started making loud coyote noises very near our house. How likely is it that this was intended for us?
How likely is it that the coyote was alone?
It doesn’t seem like a stretch that the coyotes don’t understand the invisible fence system, my dogs’ thorough training on it, and that they have to ask to be let outside. When I think about what the coyotes could have been attempting to communicate to us, and what they could have anticipated our response to be, I think of Max’s (the young one) love of chasing anything that moves, and his tendency to run off half-cocked. I also think of the cooperative nature of packs. Is it possible they were attempting to lure Max, or Barbara for that matter, away to be killed? That seems a little nuts when I put it like that; that coyotes might be conspiring to kill one or both of my dogs. But, Barb is 50lbs and Max 30lbs (thinks he’s 75lbs) and we’re in western NY with the larger eastern coyotes. Several years ago a neighbor’s larger golden retriever that was let out alone early in the morning was severely injured in a coyote attack, and almost killed. What’s the appropriate level of concern I should have? I always go outside with them, and I’ve been carrying a bat and a flashlight at night since the first time we were howled at. Is there anything else I can do?
Buy a pistol that carries more than the standard amount of rounds. Its likely to be better to inflict small wounds on many and scare them off than to kill two and have the rest still actin tough. Also. Louder the better. I suggest going to a gun range if you dont have skills.
Actually it is better to get a gun that can scare the from the noise and BARELY hurt them. coyotes are more likely to attack those who have hurt them. A small but loud bb gun is acceptable.
Um…you don’t use firearms do you?
What does it mean if you hear no coyote howls but see them 20 or so feet away? (At night camping under the stars)
I just heard Coyotes howling at 1 p.m..what does that mean? I thought they were nocturnal.
I just went outside with the biggest of our 3 dogs and as we were sitting there enjoying the cool night air, a coyote started to howl in the field across from us. About 10 seconds later, the rest of the pack joined in. My dog is very territorial (and aggressive) so it surprised me when he didn’t immediately start barking. I watched him, he sat there completely still, intently staring towards the field, his fur on end. When the howls became more frantic, another dog way off in the distance started to bark and that’s when my dog finally started barking. The howling ceased immediately. I quickly went inside because I’ll tell you, the howling was disconcerting but the silence was downright scary. My over active imagination had the pack heading our way, ready to eat us, lol. It actually took a few minutes for me to start to feel slightly silly for practically running inside. I’ve never actually heard coyotes in the wild and while I knew they were around, hearing them that close, and what sounded like quite a large pack, made my hair stand on end. Definitely a (beautifully) eerie sound!
Last night, my husband and I heard howling literally right outside our house (we have an empty wooded lot across the street) and it was so close that we went out on the porch and recorded it and I walk out to the street and saw several of them moving about in the shadows about 500 feet down the street. My neighbor turned her outside light on as well. I have a cat, a dachshund, and a mid size dog and a fenced in back yard and seeing and hearing this pack in such close proximity is disconcerting. So will be more vigilant about supervising the animals when outside. There are definitely more than 2 but sounds like 5 or 6.
I’m a novice to coyote hunting. My question is when coyotes are traveling in packs do they at time NOT yip or howl. Was out this morning just after dawn spotted what I was assuming coyotes in a line about 4-5 of them about 300 yards away. But was quiet no yipping or barking. With held not knowing for sure, still wasn’t light enough to make out clearly. Thanks for any info.
They only yip or howl when they need to communicate (usually to bring pack back together at night if they are spread out hunting on their own or to alert of perceived threat)
I am curious if you know if coyotes yip bark and or growl to alert their pack of food. I live in Northern California and their have been Numerous occassions thay I’ve heard coyotes yipping and barking then heard what I’m pretty sure iwas a turkey getting killed by them. Is it possibly that howling is there way of saying come home dinner is on the table? And who do you contact to find out how many animals in your area have been Injured by coyotes? Fish’s d game? Humane society????
We live in a rural area with a 17 pound dog. Recent nights have heard a single coyote howl in the night. Especially when taking dog out for bed time potty break. Other evening at the 9:00 dog potty break, noticed a large urine marking on the porch steps just before taking dog out. Would a coyote actually come up onto a rural setting porch steps to mark territory?
I have never heard of that, before!!!!!! How do you know it is a coyote?? If I were that coyote, I’d be scared lol! I wouldn’t wanna get shot haha lol.. I just went outside and it’s almost 2am. I let my dog outside and I heard A BUNCH of howling! That crap made me soooo nervous and I was having to literally rush my dog back inside, because he’s older and has arthritis. A coyote killed my neighbor’s dog a few years ago. That poor thing :(. I’m also glad my rabbit stays inside! I couldn’t imagine her being outside…..
What’s up Dear, are you in fact visiting this website on a regular basis,
if so afterward you will without doubt get good know-how.
I was so pleased and relieved to read your blog about coyotes. I live in a suburb about 20 miles south of Seattle and have a greenbelt behind our house. I had heard, as many have, that coyotes sometimes kill especially smaller pets. Before reading your article I used to really dread hearing the coyotes howling and yipping at night because I thought it meant they were killing some poor defenseless animal and possibly someones dearly loved pet. It sometimes tormented me and I d cover my ears because I hated hearing them. I know, of course, that it is natural for them to kill animals to eat and survive. I just dont want to hear them doing it. I am so very relieved that is not what they are doing and now I can actually enjoy their singing and know that they are just communicating with each other and establishing their territory. Thank you so much for writing this.
Tonight was the 1st night hearing coyotes even though the neighbors had. It unnerved me pretty bad. I was in my house with the tv on. They were about 30 feet or so from my house and howling so severely. I hollered at them and they got quiet. I still saw their silhouette being that it was about 1:30 a.m. I called my son at work and told him to park right beside the porch with the drivers door at the steps and come in. I need a pistol. I have a shotgun but a pistol would be better. I like to go outside and sit on the porch at night and I need to feel safe.
Im writing from Manitou Springs, CO. Our town is situated along the hillsides in a valley that takes you up the pass to the Pike National Forest.
We have skunks, raccoons, deer, coyotes, brown bears and lynx cats that wander through our yard many times throughout the year. So I’m not a stranger to wild animals.
This past week, at 8:00 pm on the dot, there is a pack of coyotes that that start howling. Well… at least I’ve only started noticing a week ago. They howl for joy less than 5 minutes every time. All the dogs in town start going as well.
All very new to me. I’ve lived here for 10 years and this is the first time I’ve noticed them.
They sound so beautiful!
But I’m quite curious as to how they know its 8:00 pm!
What do you suppose their song is for? Time for dinner perhaps…
With the Coronavirus keeping us all on lock down and people have too much time on there hands, they’ve started howling too!
No need to explain the human howls but I’d be very interested in learning more about this clockwork behavior of our 4 legged friends…
Thanks!
Here in Northwest Arkansas in the Boston Mountains..for the last two nights exactly a 4 in the morning coyotes started howling and yelping for about 20 minutes , driving me and my dogs crazy .. my question is why the same time and what’s going on .. so tonight I will record the song if they come back..
Thanks
Any feedback would help..
It’s 1:04 AM and I can hear a TON of coyotes outside. All our dogs are inside, which is good. But dang they’re loud. They seem only a few feet from my second story window.
If you will simply howl back at them
until they quiet down, they will slink
off, under your territorial dominance.
The next group of interlopers will
respond in similar fashion, months later.
Remember they are denning up in
bushes right alongside your structures.
They will throttle small children,
breaking the neck, to consummate
the kill.
Pet collars abound in dens.
Once done with casual interactions
testing their tameness, then drive
the matter to conclusion with a
spoken approach, to cause them
to depart in confusion and fear.
When wrangling them with a vehicle
herd them in any direction you wish
to interrupt their chosen trajectory.
Depart, then quickly return, to
interrupt their path again.
You may drive them some distance
terrain permitting, while they seek
solid cover from which dislodging
is impossible.
Then play with wafting your scent
down on them, to flush them out.
When you have concluded your
experiments, exercise your dominion
over them as seen fit.
If termination is indicated, use
extreme lethality in decisive force,
producing instant, humane kills.
We are not savages.
The pelts may be of some use
as perimeter markers to other,
would be, transiting ‘squatters’.
All the above techniques can
also be used for coyotes.
I live in the Northwest. I have a coyote that has been yipping and barking for over 3 hours. It seems to be moving around. Why is it doing this? has something happened to one of the pack? Is it a pup looking for it’s mother? All I know is yesterday I saw a pup, and then heard several others yipping and howling. Now today just the one coyote yipping and barking. Anyone have an idea what this means?
Coyotes killed my cat last year during covid and it was terrible and every time I hear one at night I cry or get scared. I have another cat and every time she gets out at night or anything like that I get scared that she will get eaten. It scares me
I hate coyotes so much.
They scare me and killed my cat! My baby! I am sorry but I don’t think coyotes are “lovey”!