This actually may provide a benefit to coyotes. Coyote howls often echo against hillsides, compounding the confusion. When a couple of coyotes begin calling, their sounds can vary rapidly in pitch and sequence, which can sound like a lot more coyotes than actually are there. A lot of people kill or attempt to kill coyotes, and oftentimes they present their own opinions as fact.įor instance, people often grossly overestimate the number of coyotes in an area. Coyotes are relentlessly persecuted throughout their range. And there’s also a lot of contradictory information – and complete nonsense – written about coyotes. And coyotes can recognize another coyote by its distinctive call.Įven though coyotes are one of the most common and adaptable predators in the world, there is much we don’t understand. Researchers like Mitchell note that coyotes have accents that vary geographically and even among family groups, much like humans. Their “language” is likely far more complex than we can comprehend. There is much we don’t understand about the coyote’s calls. Researchers generally identify 11 vocalizations that serve a variety of functions, from alarm to warning to socialization. (One of the animal’s more endearing nicknames is “song dog”). Howling may be the most recognizable coyote vocalization, but these canids actually have a wide repertoire of sounds. In other words, the coyotes are saying “we’re a happy family, and we own this turf so you better keep out.” In a sense, the group howls create an auditory fence around a territory, supplementing the physical scent marks left by the group.” Photo © Dan Dzurisin / Flickr Song Dog “The group yip howl is thought to have the dual purpose of promoting bonding within the family group while also serving as a territorial display. A pack of coyotes howling is an iconic sound of the American West, and it likely serves dual functions. The pups are born later in spring, and will form a loose family group. At such times, it can sound like a cascade of howls across the landscape.Īccording to Mitchell, this is not the only time of year that coyotes establish their territorial boundaries. Mitchell also notes that other nearby pairs may then respond, announcing their own territories. “Beta” coyotes (the children of the alpha pair from previous years) and current year pups may join in if they are nearby, or respond with howls of their own.” “Group yip-howls are produced by a mated and territorial pair of “alpha” coyotes, with the male howling while the female intersperses her yips, barks, and short howls. The pair howls and yips to let other coyotes know that they have an established territory and not to intrude.Ĭoyote researcher Brian Mitchell describes the sounds you’re likely to hear at this time of year: Some researchers state that the coyotes will remain together until one of the pair dies.Ĭoyotes are also territorial. Coyotes are generally monogamous, forming strong pair bonds for several years. While the exact timing varies, depending on geography, coyote breeding season generally occurs between late January and March. And, if you’re like me, you’ll find the howling particularly resonant on a cold winter’s night. You can hear them at any time of year, but you may notice increased activity in February and March. And they’re also now found widely, so if you live in North America, there’s a good chance that you have some roaming near you. And this time of year, I enjoy the coyote concert frequently.Ĭoyotes are one of the most vocal mammals. I never tire of that sound, no matter how many times I hear it. The long howls were interspersed with sharp yips, sounding like multiple animals. The sound echoed through the neighborhood, carrying clearly from a nearby hillside. I hurried with my task, no wanting to linger in the chill. The evening was clear, cold and seemingly silent. I stepped outside last night to take some glass bottles to the recycling bin.
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