Barking Squirrel? | Listen to a Fox Squirrel Barking

When we think of barking, most people think about dogs first. You might be surprised to know there are more animals than just dogs that bark. Some wild animals that bark include birds, deer, monkeys, and a favorite of mine, squirrels. But what is the reason animals bark? Really, there is one simple explanation. In most instances, a fox squirrel barking is trying to protect themselves from approaching danger.

barking squirrel - fox squirrel barking

Why is the Fox Squirrel Barking?

When a fox squirrel barks, it’s usually sending a message. They bark to alert others about danger, like predators nearby, or to defend their territory and food stash. Sometimes, this barking is a sign of fear or a way to chat with fellow squirrels.

Why Do Squirrels Make Noise?

Squirrels make noise because they need to communicate. Squirrels make vocalizations to warn other squirrels of danger, to call to their mates, to mark their territory, to scare off predators, and to seek help from nearby squirrels.

Squirrels may also make noise to vent their frustration, especially when they are in pain or feel trapped. Some squirrels make noise when they’re being fed by humans because they feel trapped in the situation – they may not want to be fed by humans, or they may want to feed themselves.

They may also make noise for other reasons. For example, squirrels may make noise when they are courting, when they are mating, when they are in pain, or when they’re eating.

Why Do Squirrels Bark

A barking fox squirrel is sounding the alarm to warn other squirrels of predators like dogs and people. The squirrel will first wave its tail usually pointing in the direction of the predator.

Squirrels are on the lookout for threats from the sky and on the ground below. When they spot a predator like a cat, dog, or a hawk, they’ll make a series of barking alarm calls.

A “kuk” is a short repetitive barking sound and a “quaa” is a longer version of a “kuk.” The predator alarm call is usually several “kuks” followed by a “quaa.”

Fox Squirrel Barking - squirrel on alert
Fox Squirrel on Alert

Are there More Sounds that a Barking Squirrel Makes?

Squirrels may appear little and quiet, but they are quite vocal critters. There are more sounds that a barking squirrel makes. As a matter of fact, there are multiple sounds that squirrels make when they are communicating with each other.

The intensity of the sound they make differs by species. You will find that some of the species are more vocal than others and have their own specific set of recognizable sounds.

The volume and type of sound made, largely depend on age, gender, and circumstance.

What Kinds of Sounds Do Squirrels Make?

Squirrels make many kinds of sounds. They may chatter, growl, bark, whistle, or click their teeth. Squirrels may also make vocalizations called “squirrel noises” that are meant to warn other squirrels away from their hoard of food.

However, squirrels also make lots of different noises that aren’t related to their hoarding food. For example, squirrels often squeal, squawk, or chitter when they’re in distress.

Squirrels also make different sounds when they are mating, defending their territory, or in pain from a wound. Squirrels also make different sounds when they’re feeding.

When feeding, squirrels make chewing sounds, gnawing noises, and sometimes even the sound of slurping. Squirrels’ mouths make loud noises when they drink water because they use their teeth to help suck liquid up.

Squirrel Call Sounds When Fighting or Warning

Squirrel call sounds when fighting or warning mimic a squawk, chitter, bark, or clicking of their teeth. Squirrels also make noise when they warn other squirrels away from their territory.

When defending their territory, squirrels make loud clicking noises with their teeth, a piercing chitter, or a shrill bark. Squirrels make these noises to scare other squirrels away from their territory.

Squirrels use these noises to let nearby squirrels know that they shouldn’t come any closer. If nearby squirrels ignore the warnings, squirrels escalate the fight by chasing, biting, and scratching their opponent. Squirrels make these noises in order to defend their territory and scare away other squirrels.

If nearby squirrels ignore the warnings, squirrels escalate the fight by chasing, biting, and scratching their opponent. Squirrels make these noises in order to defend their territory and scare away other squirrels.

Bark Squirrel, Bark

Bark squirrel, bark! The squirrel’s vocal sounds help them talk or communicate with other squirrels to let them know there is a threat. Also, the warning is to scare off potential predators.

The barking alarm call is important to a squirrel and is vital to help them survive for many years in the wild.

If you would like to learn more about squirrels, check out the 11 Interesting Facts About Squirrels.

Listen to this Barking Squirrel

This is Bob and he is a wild squirrel living here at Kitty City Squirrels. Take a listen to this barking squirrel. Bob is sure to amaze you.

Bob, the Barking Squirrel

Chatter of the Barking Squirrel

A barking squirrel makes many different noises. They may chatter, growl, bark, whistle, or click their teeth. Squirrels also make loud noises when they’re fighting or defending their territory.

When hoarding food, squirrels make many different noises, including chittering, barking, chewing, squawking, scratching, clicking their teeth, and gnawing.

All of these noises are a way for squirrels to communicate with each other.

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