Guide

Listen forMammals

Red fox calls on winter nights

January to February

Red foxes in Massachusetts breed from mid-January through February, and that is when they are most vocal. On winter nights, listen for barks, howls, whines, and a raspy scream repeated every few seconds.

Why this time of year

In Massachusetts, red foxes breed from mid-January through February, and they call to attract each other at night.

How to notice it

  1. On a winter night after dark, step outside with a grown-up or open a window, and stay still for a few minutes.
  2. Listen for a short, sharp yap or bark, sometimes followed by a 'yap, yap'.
  3. Listen for a raspy, single-syllable scream or bark repeated every 3-10 seconds. In Connecticut, it is a sound people often report to state wildlife officials.
  4. Just listen. Do not follow the sound. Foxes would rather avoid people, so let them keep their distance.

Try this with kids: Stand still by the door with a grown-up and count the seconds between the fox's calls. Is it 3 seconds, or closer to 10?

Safety

  • Never feed a fox, and do not leave garbage out overnight.

Sources

  • massaudubon.orgMass Audubon: 'Breeding occurs from mid-January through February'; 'They are vocal and can be heard barking, howling, or whining, especially in the winter when they are breeding'; may den in suburban backyards; 'foxes would rather avoid people than confront them'; 'Never feed a fox and try not to leave exposed garbage out overnight.' Page covers red and gray fox.
  • portal.ct.govCT DEEP red fox fact sheet: breeding January through March; 'a short, sharp "yap" or bark, followed by a "yap, yap,"'; 'a raspy, single syllable scream or bark, repeated regularly every 3-10 seconds' is a common report.
  • vtecostudies.orgVermont Center for Ecostudies, Jan 2024: 'Red Foxes call to attract each other at night'; mating season begins in January and lasts until early March in New England.
  • dec.ny.govNY DEC: breed December to April with a peak January-February; primarily nocturnal.

Checked against these sources on November 3, 2026.

In the guide for January, February

Also worth noticing