Caught On Camera: Coyotes Offer Chorus Of Howls At Woodbridge Wildlife Preserve

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Despite the large presence of people living in the Northern Virginia region, wildlife is thriving — in fact, very vocally.

A video of a boisterous coyote trio in a "screaming contest" at a Woodbridge wildlife preserve has gone viral on social media. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shared the trail footage of the coyotes from Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Woodbridge.

But the howling from the coyotes isn't any cause for alarm.

"These vocalizations of yipping, howling, and barking all are ways coyotes communicate, build social bonds, or deter predators," the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.

See the coyote video here. You may want to keep your sound down for this shrill trio.

Coyotes can roam throughout Virginia, including in urban and suburban areas, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. These wild animals usually come out at night but may be out during the day in the spring and summer when looking for food for their babies. While coyotes are generally fearful of humans, they may change that behavior if given access to food outside homes. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has more information on the benefits of coyotes in the ecosystem and how to prevent confrontations.

The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located at the meeting point of the Occoquan River and Potomac River, is run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The wildlife preserve is home to many species of migratory birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

For people, the park has four miles of trails, an information center, two pavilions, a gazebo and more. Entrance is free, and the visitor information center is currently closed for the season until April. Visitors are asked to follow the park's rules to protect the wildlife.