They howl to communicate with each other. Howling is the most direct way of communicating across long distances, and is especially important in areas where wolf territories are vast. A howl can communicate things like a wolf's location, warnings about predators, and the position of prey.

Why do wolves howl on a full moon?

Why do gray wolves howl at the moon? We hate to burst your bubble, but it is a myth that wolves howl at the moon! Howling may be heard at night, but it is not a behavior directed at the moon. Instead, it is used as a social rally call, a hail to hunt or as a territorial expression.

Do wolves howl when they are sad?

There's a myth going around that wolves cry out of sadness, but this is simply not true. It's also not been proven that howling has something to do with a wolf's emotions. Instead, the howling is more closely connected to the instinct of a wolf and its surroundings.