Nocturnal Commotion: What Is That Sound in the Woods?
As temperatures drop in Hillsborough County, Florida, more visitors head to the Nature Preserves during the early evenings. Florida is known for its beautiful sunsets, but as night falls, the distinct sounds of its wildlife become more evident.
The usual suspects make their presence known, with frogs, owls, and insects all sounding off. But, there are some Hillsborough County residents whose calls can startle the unsuspecting.
My own curiosity has led me to research these nocturnal sounds over the years. Here are several of the most common and distinctive:
A shrieking cry, echoing as a call and response across the water.
This sharp cry, often reverberating along the Hillsborough River, belongs to the Limpkin (Aramus guarauna). These large, cryptic birds are often impossible to spot in the dark. Males use these calls to define their territories and beckon potential mates.
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| A limpkin in Lettuce Lake Conservation Park. Photo submitted by Alana Thevenet. |
If you come across these calls, a closer look at the nearby shoreline might reveal the empty shells of apple snails, the Limpkin's primary diet. Limpkins help in controlling apple snail populations. Additionally, the birds themselves spend much of their time on the ground or wading, making use of their natural camouflage and simply hiding in plain sight.
Howling and yelping.
Unlike their wolf cousins, attitudes towards coyotes (Canis latrans) remain largely negative. These adaptable canines have expanded their range across the continent and even into urban areas, and colorful news stories follow them wherever they go. As crepuscular animals, they are most active during dawn and dusk.
While concerns arise over the potential threats coyotes might pose to unsupervised pets, especially during the nocturnal hours, it's important to emphasize that they rarely possess the size or disposition to challenge humans. Typically, they adopt a solitary hunting approach or move in small familial units. Their howls, marked by rapid tonal and rhythmic variations, can create an illusion of larger packs.
A prevalent myth suggesting that coyotes lure dogs to their demise is widely circulated, but it is largely unfounded. Coyotes may occasionally engage in playful interactions with dogs, but more often than not, they prefer to maintain a safe distance. Domestic dogs, especially larger breeds, can outweigh coyotes considerably -- considering that the average Floridian coyote hovers around 28 pounds. Unleashed dogs will instinctively chase after these wild canines on sight. Such chases might seem playful to the dog, but they can lead to the dog becoming lost in the woods or facing a protective coyote family, ready to guard against the attacking dog.
Such unpredictable behavior underscores the importance of leashing dogs, especially in Nature Preserves. By adhering to this simple precaution, the risk posed by coyotes remains incredibly small. These animals play an important role in the ecosystem, and simple safe practices and common sense can prevent poor outcomes.
Abrupt, rattling croaks and splashes by the shoreline.
Upon hearing this, you might be near an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), commonly referred to as the 'snake bird'. Their moniker is derived from their unique swimming style, where only their extended neck is visible above the water, bearing a striking resemblance to a snake. The Anhinga's non-waterproof feathers allow them to dive deeper and effectively hunt fish. However, this adaptation means they need to periodically dry their wings, evident by their typical spread-winged stance. It can be tempting to get closer for a picture, but Anhinga will dive into the water if threatened, leading to the whole drying cycle needing to be repeated.
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Deep, resounding rumbles and a hiss.
Such formidable sounds are typically the domain of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Crocodilians are the most vocal of all reptiles, and while the American Alligator does not have vocal chords, by manipulating the gap between its vocal folds, the stiffness of its laryngeal tissues, and the air pressure below its vocal folds, it is able to produce a wide variety of sounds.
The hiss you heard was a warning, often when they sense a threat. It's a cue for you to keep your distance. Alligator attacks are exceedingly rare and in many cases result directly from humans deliberately ignoring warning signs.
Bellowing.
This low-frequency bellow is multifunctional, used both in mating displays and communication. When they bellow, the vibrations can cause a visual spectacle known as the "water dance," where droplets bounce on the alligator's back.
Crashing through the undergrowth.
The second culprit can sometimes be accompanied by a hiss such as this one.
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Rapid trilling and chatter.
This unexpected chatter often belongs to the Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor). Despite their stealthy nocturnal habits, raccoons are surprisingly vocal, producing a range of sounds from growls and hisses to purrs and chatters. This vocal communication is particularly common among family units; at least 13 unique calls have been identified, each used only in specific circumstances.
Raccoons, as the largest members of the Procyonidae family, boast adaptations that make them proficient climbers. This family also includes intriguing species like the Coati (Nasua and Nasuella) and the Kinkajou (Potos flavus). I've personally witnessed groups of raccoons high in the branches of native fig trees during twilight, pausing in their feeding to observe my passing.
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| The white-nosed coati, a Central American relative to the Common Raccoon. |
Abrupt, screaming cry.
No article on nocturnal disturbances would be complete without a mention of the Red Fox and its haunting cry. The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the most widespread wild carnivores, and its call is both distinctive and, at times, eerie. This cry, often mistaken for the scream of a woman, is a series of sharp, high-pitched sounds. While the exact reasons for these calls are not entirely understood, they are believed to be used by vixens to communicate with their mates, or even by males announcing their territory. During the mating season, the frequency of these calls significantly increases.
Scientifically, the Red Fox is a marvel in adaptation. Despite their name, these foxes aren't always red. They can exhibit a variety of coat colors, including black, silver, and even a cross pattern known as "cross foxes." From forests and mountains to urban environments, these foxes can make a home almost anywhere. Their diet is equally varied, encompassing rodents, rabbits, birds, fruits, and insects. This adaptability has played a pivotal role in their widespread distribution, and in countries like Australia they present a highly invasive and persistent ecological threat. However, they’ve been present in the Americas for half a million years.
As Halloween approaches, keep your ears and eyes open, and remember that we share the outdoors with a multitude of creatures, each with its own unique behaviors, calls, and roles within the ecosystem. Encounters with these nocturnal residents serve as a humbling reminder of the rich biodiversity that surrounds us, even in places we might consider familiar. Always remember our responsibility is to coexist, respect, and protect these invaluable natural habitats and their inhabitants.
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