Red Fox
Sounds & Calls

The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a widely-distributed canid species found throughout many regions of the northern hemisphere. It was also introduced to Australia by European settlers and is now an abundant pest species which often preys on vulnerable native birds and mammals. This species is highly adaptable and is able to find and catch prey in all kinds of habitats.

Red Foxes make a variety of different sounds including barks, screams, howls, squeals and ‘gekkering’. Recent studies have identified 12 different sounds produced by adults and 8 by kits. Two of the most commonly-heard calls are the ‘bark’ & ‘scream’, perhaps because these are the loudest and can be heard for some distance. Another common call is the ‘wow wow wow’ contact call, which sounds more like a bird to me than a fox! You can hear examples of a couple of these Red Fox sounds below.

Interestingly, the sound of the fox has become one of the most searched for animal vocalizations in the last few years following the hugely popular novelty dance song “The Fox (What does the fox say?)” by the Norwegian comedy pair ‘Ylvis’! In the song, a number of silly possibilities for the fox’s voice are offered but on this page you’ll discover what the fox really says!