Dog Science: Can wolves bark? Turns out they can and more

Have you ever wondered if wolves bark like their decendent dogs do? Turns out they do, according to the International Wolf Center, along with other types of communication methods.

They may bark out of warning to other dogs in their pack if someonein their pack is about to be in a dangerous situation. Or they could bark-howl to defend their territory against a threat.

Just like dogs do, they use other types of vocalization to vocalize something else. A whimper could that after a hard fight the wolf finally accepts defeat to the other animal and vocalizes surrender. Or it could be a mother vocalizing her willingness to nurse her young. They also may growl, howl or yip to get their point across.

What do the different sounds wolves make mean?

Growling is used for a warning to other animals to get ready to throw down and fight. It can also be used to show dominance.

Howling is used to communicate over long distances.

Yipping is usaully a way of showing excitement in adult wolves. Wolf puppies will yip to get attention or want to play.

They use body language and scent marking and scat to also communicate with other wolves and animals.

But instead of the usual woof you hear from your family dog, its more of a short, sharp yelp, according to PetKeen.com.

Another big difference between dogs and wolves is that dogs bark for a variety of reasons that wolves don’t. Dogs may bark because they may sense danger, trying to get our attention or just get plain excited about something. A dog’s bark shares information with us about their emotional state and/or surroundings.

So yes, wolves can bark, it’s just different than your furry friend at home and for different reasons. It also sounds different. It’s still interesting to see the differences between the two and how they are the same in some ways.