howling

Howling is a form of vocal communication produced by some mammals, most prominently canids such as wolves and coyotes, as well as domestic dogs and, in some cases, other animals. It refers to a long, sustained vocalization that travels over great distances and is used for social coordination and territorial signaling.

In wolves, howling serves several functions: locating pack members, advertising presence to other packs, coordinating movement, and reinforcing social bonds. Howls may be emitted by a single individual or by multiple wolves in a chorus, creating a combined sound that can travel farther than a bark or growl. The content of howls can convey information about the caller’s location, identity, and even emotional state.

Other canids, such as coyotes, also produce howls or howl-like vocalizations. Domestic dogs sometimes howl in response to their owners, sirens, or music, reflecting their close evolutionary relationship with wolves and their sensitivity to social cues. In many species, howling is most common at night or in low-light conditions when long-distance communication is advantageous.

Mechanics and acoustic features: howling is produced by vibrating the vocal folds in the larynx while keeping the mouth open and often raising the head to shape the resonance. Howls typically have a sustained, vowel-like sound with varying pitch and cadence and can be extended or modulated to adjust distance or convey specific information.

In popular culture, the term Howling appears as titles and motifs, notably in horror fiction and film such as the 1977 novel The Howling by Gary Brandner and its 1981 film adaptation. The term has entered broader usage to describe any loud, prolonged vocal lament or cry.