Buzz
Our world is full of strange wonders. The variety of life, from the incredible array of plants to the fascinating animals, is enough to leave anyone speechless. Animals are not only unique in their appearance, but their vocalizations and sounds are equally as astonishing. Whether through vocal calls, whistles, or sounds created by movement, the animal kingdom produces some truly remarkable noises—even fish have their own ways of communicating.
While the natural world offers us a symphony of beautiful sounds, today's focus is on the animals whose vocalizations are far from melodic. Instead, we're turning our attention to those creatures whose noises can only be described as bizarre. Turn up your volume and prepare to be amazed (and perhaps creeped out) by these strange animal sounds.
10. Walrus
Walruses are capable of producing a wide array of sounds. From grunts and growls to barks and whistles, they have a remarkable vocal range. Young walruses, known as calves, can even let out loud bellows when they're distressed. What's particularly fascinating is that these marine mammals can generate sounds both above and beneath the water's surface.
Some walrus sounds, like the distinct “bell” call used by males to attract mates, aren’t created by vocal cords. Instead, male walruses have small air sacs in their throats that help produce this unique ‘bell’ sound.
From squeaks to roars and deep growls, a walrus has an impressive range of sounds it uses to communicate. While watching them produce these sounds can be amusing, hearing them unexpectedly would definitely send a chill down anyone's spine.
9. Cougars
Another creature that produces an unsettling sound is the cougar. Their wails are often compared to the screams of children or even adult women in terror. Unlike other big cats, such as lions and tigers, cougars don’t roar—they scream or shriek. They don’t sound anything like what you might expect from such an imposing creature.
Both male and female cougars are capable of producing their signature screams. Although the precise reason behind these shrieks is still debated, many scientists believe it’s tied to their mating behavior. It's thought that female cougars vocalize in this way to signal that they're in heat and attract a mate, while males may scream to mark their territory and warn other males away.
No matter the reason, hearing a cougar’s blood-curdling shriek might just make you scream right along with it.
8. Piranha
Could piranhas be the creepiest creatures in the animal kingdom? It's certainly possible. With their flesh-eating tendencies, they consume their prey alive. They aren't exactly the most attractive fish either. But there's something even stranger about them—they “bark” underwater.
Piranhas can produce three distinct types of sounds. The first is a barking noise, typically heard during a confrontation. The second is a short, repeated sound made when circling an opponent or fighting for food. Finally, when a piranha snaps its jaw, it emits a creaky, croaking sound. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to be close enough to hear those sounds myself.
7. Koalas
We can all agree koalas are undeniably adorable! But as we know, appearances can be deceiving in the animal kingdom. Despite being commonly called “koala bears,” koalas aren’t bears at all—they're marsupials. This is just one of the many fascinating traits that make them unique.
Koalas also have an extra set of vocal folds near their larynx, allowing them to produce a deep, bellowing sound. It’s similar to a bullfrog’s croak, but far from what you’d expect from such a cute creature. Both male and female koalas can make this sound, though it’s most commonly used by males as a mating call. Koalas can also create a high-pitched scream.
Female koalas may use this high-pitched scream to fend off an unwanted male. Males, on the other hand, may scream if they feel threatened. It’s strange that such a cute animal has such an unsettling sound, but it adds to their fascinating complexity.
6. Frogs
Frogs are usually pretty vocal, and the Smoky Jungle Frog is no exception. Found in Central and South America, these nocturnal frogs are most active during the night. They are larger than most frog species and are capable jumpers. Smoky Jungle Frogs can also produce two unique sounds that set them apart from other frogs.
The first sound produced by the Smoky Jungle Frog serves as a defense mechanism. These large amphibians are fast and capable of impressive jumps, but when they’re caught by a predator, they have a backup plan. If trapped, they emit a blood-curdling scream that can startle the predator, giving the frog a chance to escape to safety.
Next, the Smoky Jungle Frog has a unique mating call. It sounds like a “whoop” or “hoop,” and it serves two purposes: to attract a mate and to mark its territory. While it’s an effective call, it might be nice if they kept the volume down a bit.
5. Porcupines
To me, one of the creepiest things an animal can do is produce sounds that resemble human speech. Porcupines do exactly that. Their calls are often compared to a high-pitched voice speaking quickly. In fact, these little creatures make a range of unsettling sounds.
Porcupines frequently scream to attract mates during the summer mating season (reminds me of another species, though their method often involves a bit of alcohol). Interestingly, both males and females make these screams. Porcupines are also known for making clicking noises when they’re scared or backed into a corner, a result of their teeth chattering. If they’re trying to scare off a predator, they may also grunt or growl.
The most common sound associated with porcupines is a cooing noise, which resembles the cries of a human baby. Porcupines would be even cuter if they didn’t make such eerie, human-like sounds.
4. Male Red Deer
Red stags are majestic and iconic creatures. With their impressive set of antlers, male red deer are truly a sight to behold. Yet, like many animals on this list, they make an unusual noise. In fact, the sounds they produce are even more remarkable in some ways.
To establish dominance and attract mates, a red stag releases a roar. Larger stags typically produce deeper, louder roars. Many confrontations are resolved not through physical battle, but with a roaring contest. Red stags often roar multiple times a day, and during rutting season, their roars are particularly intense. I can see why they roar so much—it's not just creepy, it's downright intimidating!
3. Great Blue Heron
The creepiest sound on our list originates from a giant bird, the Great Blue Heron. Despite its prehistoric appearance, this bird is usually silent. But when it does make noise, it’s sure to send shivers down your spine.
The Great Blue Heron has an incredibly loud, harsh squawk. It makes this sound when landing or taking off. Additionally, the heron is known for its bill-snapping sound, which can be heard from miles away. Between these two distinct noises, the Great Blue Heron could easily be mistaken for something from the age of dinosaurs. Truly spine-chilling!
2. Cheetahs
Cheetahs are famous for being the fastest land animals on the planet. They also make a variety of peculiar sounds. Cheetahs vocalize in three distinct ways: gurgles or purring, chirping, and hissing. Interestingly, cheetahs are unable to roar.
Like many other cats, cheetahs hiss when they feel threatened or scared. They may also moan when frightened. Cheetahs can meow as well. But the most unusual—and possibly the creepiest—sound they make is their chirp.
The cheetah's chirp, though easily mistaken for a bird's call, is high-pitched and distinct, making it hard to believe it comes from such a large cat. Cheetahs make these sounds for various reasons, with mother cheetahs most often using the chirp to locate their cubs. While the intention is clearly maternal, the sound can be unsettling to hear.
1. Ostrich
Do ostriches truly qualify as birds? Their sounds suggest otherwise! These flightless giants are known for several peculiar traits. In fact, despite their large size, ostriches rank among the loudest birds on Earth.
Male ostriches, though generally quiet, can inflate their necks with air to produce a deep, rumbling noise that echoes for miles. This sound serves to attract mates. Female ostriches have their own vocalizations, with a hissing noise made when they feel threatened.
