What does an urban fox sound like?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

An urban fox, just like its wild counterparts, can make various noises depending on the situation. One of the most distinctive sounds they produce is the high-pitched ‘a-woo’ noise, which is often described as similar to a domestic dog’s bark. This sound is typically made by male foxes, especially during the breeding season when they are trying to attract a mate or establish their territory.

I remember one evening when I was walking home through my neighborhood in the city. It was a quiet night, and suddenly I heard this eerie sound that I couldn’t quite place. It was a mix between a howl and a bark, and it seemed to be coming from a nearby garden. As I got closer, I realized it was a fox making that noise. It was a bit unnerving at first, but also fascinating to hear such a wild sound in the midst of the urban environment.

The ‘a-woo’ noise of a male fox can vary in intensity and duration. Sometimes it starts with a series of short barks before leading into a prolonged howl. This vocalization serves as a way for the fox to communicate with other foxes in the area, signaling their presence and asserting their territorial boundaries. It can be quite loud and carry over a long distance, especially in the quiet of the night.

On the other hand, fox cubs have their own playful noises. When they engage in play fighting with their siblings or other cubs, they often make a repetitive ‘ack-ack-ack-ack’ sound. It’s a chirping noise that is full of energy and excitement. I’ve had the opportunity to observe a group of fox cubs playfully wrestling and chasing each other in a nearby park. Their playful noises added to the joyous atmosphere and brought smiles to those fortunate enough to witness their antics.

In an urban setting, these sounds can sometimes catch people off guard, as they are not commonly associated with city life. However, as urban areas continue to encroach upon natural habitats, it’s not uncommon to hear the occasional fox vocalization in the midst of the concrete jungle.

To summarize, an urban fox can sound like a domestic dog with its ‘a-woo’ noise, especially when a male fox is trying to attract a mate or establish its territory. Fox cubs, on the other hand, produce a playful ‘ack-ack-ack-ack’ noise as they engage in friendly play fights. These unique sounds add a touch of wildness to the urban landscape and remind us of the presence of these fascinating creatures in our midst.