Their unique stride causes the hind foot to often land in the print made by the front foot on the same side. Wolf tracks are similar to coyote and dog tracks. Mountain lion tracks are often mistaken for wolf tracks. Wolves howl, bark, whimper, and growl. Wolves have a variety of communication tools including scent, vocalization, visual displays, postures and rituals.
Wolves sometimes bark if their den is disturbed of if they are surprised.
The howl of a wolf is described as deep and mournful. The pitch is constant or, if it varies, does so smoothly. A howling session by one lone wolf lasts about 35 seconds, and the animal will howl several times. When a pack is howling, one wolf will start and one or more others will join in. Most wolf howls can be heard for almost a mile in the woods.