We do know, however, that howling keeps packmates together, physically. Because wolves range over vast areas to find food, they are often separated from one another. Of all their calls, howling is the only one that works over great distances. Its low pitch and long duration are well suited for transmission in forest and across tundra, and unique features of each individual’s howl allow wolves to identify each other. Howling is a long distance contact and reunion call; separate a wolf from its pack, and very soon it will begin howling, and howling, and howling…

Wolves can recognize the voices of others. The response of a packmate, of a known neighboring pack or a complete stranger are all solicit different responses.

Contrary to popular belief, wolves do not howl at the full moon any more often than at any other time of month. They also do not howl just at night. They do howl more frequently during the hours around sunrise and sunset, for they are more active then. Wolves also howl more often in the winter months than in the summer. However they can be heard howling any time of day any time of the year.