What does a howl mean when it howls?

When a wolf howls it usually means that it's communicating with other members of its pack, or trying to signal to an intruder to stay away. In the wild, wolves howl to:

- Communicate with their pack: Wolves howl to let other members of their pack know where they are, or to keep in touch when they are separated.

- Protect their territory: Wolves howl to warn other wolves that they are trespassing on their territory.

- Attract mates: Wolves howl to attract potential mates.

- Find prey: Wolves howl to communicate with each other about the location of prey.

- Express emotion: Wolves howl to express a variety of emotions, such as excitement, frustration, or loneliness.