Animals That Use Sounds As a Weapon

Animals use sound for reasons other than communicating. In many cases, animals use sound as a weapon. Various species emit sounds to locate prey, divert predators and claim territory. Without the use of sounds, many animals would be hungry and defenseless. View a few of the animals that utilize sound as a crucial weapon.

  1. Bat

    • Bats use sound to navigate and to catch prey. Bats use sound by generating an ultrasound with their open mouth. Their ultrasound uses frequency ranges that vary between 14,000 and 100,000 Hz. Insects and other targets are found by using the ultrasound. After finding the location of their prey, bats descend from roosts and attack them. Because bats have such poor eyesight, they often use ultrasound as a means to see in the night as well.

    Dolphin

    • Dolphins also use sound to locate prey. Using echolocation, dolphins emit short pulses of sound with high frequency and intensity. They locate their prey after the sound reflects against the target. They identify the size and shape of the prey, as well as its current location. After finding the prey, if the dolphin cannot catch the evading creature, it will emit a powerful click to potentially stun the small target.

    Lion

    • Male lions that lead a pack use sound as a means to protect their position as the leader. Roaring is used by these males as a weapon to maintain their territory. Their roars are heard from miles away, and identifies to rivals the sex and location of the male leader. If an intruder enters withing the range of the roar, it is attacked by other members of the male leader's pack.

    Beaver

    • Beavers use their tail for reasons other than swimming. The beaver will slap its tail on the water as a form of protection and communication. When alarmed by predators, beavers will slap their tail, making a loud booming sound. Predators will be scared by the sound made by the beavers and run away. Other beavers in the area will hear the sound and move to a safe area. If a predator is unfazed by the slapping and approaches, beavers will attempt to keep the predator at bay with repeated tail slaps in its direction. After awhile, the predator will grow tired and retreat.