Cross Breeds

Are there any wild animals that sound like a woman screaming?

The other night l heard something come through my yard that sounded exactly like a woman screaming. There was about five screams, each about five seconds apart. Each time it sounded exactly the same with no variation. It was very eerie. My husband and I went outside and checked it out, but we saw nothing out of the ordinary. Our dogs barked for a short while and then stopped as it were no big deal. Could it have been a wild animal. I really don't believe it was a person; we live out in the country and do not have many neighbors. This is in the southeastern US.

Public Comments

1. seagulls
2. Some birds make shrill calls. Peacocks, for example, make a very loud, very shrill call that can be mistaken for a woman's scream.
3. A bobcat.
4. That sounds like a peacock.
5. I have baby raccoons, skunks, and coyotes that can make noises that sound like a high pitched scream, even bats from time to time. I live in foothills of Northern California.
6. I have heard that, rabbits when captured, scream, (and it sounds like a woman) if not killed right away by the predator. I would assume that this would happen if an animal is trapped as well. Its good that you checked to be sure it was not a woman, or someone in danger. I would also recommend that you check with your local animal control center. They could better advise you, about what potential animals in your area would make the noise, as well as what it means to you and your family.
7. Isn't that a bit repetitive: Wild animal and woman screaming. I'm sure your husband will agree.
8. mtn. lions
9. There are some owls that make a sound that is uncannily like a woman screaming or wailing, like the screech owl (US) or barking owl (Aust.).
10. some monkies
11. Barn Owl: http://www.owlpages.com/sounds/Tyto-alba-3.mp3