The eerie, piercing scream of a cougar is one of the most haunting sounds in the wild. Often mistaken for a woman screaming, this vocalization, known as a caterwaul, plays a crucial role in cougar communication. But what exactly does it sound like, and why do cougars make this chilling noise?
Understanding Cougar Sounds
Cougars (Puma concolor), also called mountain lions or pumas, are generally silent animals. Unlike lions or tigers, they do not roar. Instead, they communicate using a range of vocalizations, including growls, purrs, hisses, and their famous caterwaul.
What Is a Caterwaul?
A caterwaul is a long, high-pitched scream that cougars, especially females in heat, use to attract mates. This sound is both loud and unsettling, often described as a mix between a wailing cry and a high-pitched scream. It can travel long distances, ensuring that potential mates hear it even from miles away.
What Does a Cougar Caterwaul Sound Like?
The caterwaul of a cougar is often compared to:
- A woman screaming in distress
- A baby crying loudly
- A high-pitched wailing sound
It starts as a low moan that gradually rises into a loud, drawn-out shriek before fading. The sound is designed to cut through the silence of the night, making it both haunting and effective in reaching other cougars.
Why Do Cougars Caterwaul?
1. Mating Calls
The primary reason for caterwauling is reproduction. Female cougars in estrus (heat) produce this sound to signal males that they are ready to mate. Since cougars are solitary animals, they rely on vocal cues like caterwauling to find a partner.
2. Territorial Communication
While less common, some researchers believe that caterwauls can also serve as warnings. If a cougar wants to establish dominance over a hunting area, it might use a loud call to deter other cougars from entering its space.
3. Distress or Agitation
In rare cases, a cougar might make a caterwauling sound if it is injured or feeling threatened. However, this is not their usual distress call—growls and snarls are more common for defensive situations.
How Far Can a Cougar Caterwaul Be Heard?
A cougar’s scream can be heard from several miles away, depending on the terrain and weather conditions. The sound is most common at night when it carries farther in the stillness of the wilderness.
Other Cougar Vocalizations
Cougars use a variety of sounds to communicate. Besides caterwauling, they also produce:
1. Growls and Snarls
When threatened, a cougar will growl or snarl to show aggression. These deep, guttural sounds serve as warnings to predators or rivals.
2. Purring
Like domestic cats, cougars purr when they are content, often when resting or interacting with their cubs.
3. Chirping
Cougar mothers use chirping sounds to call their cubs. This short, bird-like noise helps them stay connected, especially in dense forests.
4. Hissing and Spitting
When defensive, cougars hiss or spit at perceived threats, similar to house cats. These sounds are often used before an attack or when they feel cornered.
Where and When Are Cougar Caterwauls Heard?
Cougar caterwauls are most commonly heard in:
- Remote wilderness areas with large cougar populations
- Mountain regions and dense forests where cougars hunt and breed
- At night, since cougars are nocturnal and more active after dark
How to Identify a Cougar Caterwaul in the Wild
If you hear a high-pitched scream in the wilderness, ask yourself:
-
Is it continuous?
- A cougar’s caterwaul is usually repeated several times with slight pauses.
-
Does it sound human-like?
- If it resembles a woman screaming or a baby crying, it could be a cougar.
-
Are you in cougar territory?
- If you’re in a known cougar habitat, the chances of hearing one are higher.
What to Do If You Hear a Cougar Caterwaul
Hearing a cougar caterwaul can be an unnerving experience. If you find yourself near a screaming cougar, follow these steps:
- Stay calm. Do not panic or run.
- Make yourself look big. Stand tall and wave your arms if necessary.
- Back away slowly. Do not turn your back on the animal.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Cougars are most active after dark.
The cougar’s caterwaul is one of the most chilling and mysterious sounds in the wild. Often mistaken for a human scream, this eerie vocalization serves an essential role in mating and communication. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, hiker, or wildlife observer, knowing how to recognize a cougar’s call can add to your understanding of these elusive big cats.