Howling is a way wolves communicate with each other. Once a wolf begins howling, other pack members often show a strong tendency to approach that animal and join in.

There are several different types of howling and each is used under different circumstances. Howling appears to keep the pack together and plays a role in the formation and hierarchy between other members of the pack.

One of the most often used howls is a call which reassembles the pack; often used after a chase, or if a wolf has gotten lost. When wolves return from a hunt, those who stayed behind will rush to greet them and howling may break out as well. Additionally, wolves will sometimes howl after a chase to celebrate a successful hunt or when they are lonely.

So, do wolves howl at the moon? This is actually just a myth. People have come up with this idea probably because wolfs are more active on brighter lit nights and howl therefore more.