why do wolves howl at the moon?

Answer 1

Wolves howl most of all for communal reasons. They are social hunters and also rely heavily on each other for protection.

The association with wolves howling at the moon may have to do with the fact that they are most often heard howling during twilight hours, when the moon is first making its appearance or exit. This has nothing really to do with the moon, however, it's just when the adult wolves are likely to call the hunting group together to leave and to identify themselves to the pack when they return.

Of course, if they were going to do something in the middle of the night, it would probably be more likely to occur during a full moon night than a new moon night. They need to see and the extra light certainly doesn't hurt. Just about every animal (humans included) is more active during full moons for this reason!

Answer 2

They do not concern themselves with the moon, though they may be more active during bright nights with a full moon and therefore likely to howl more.

Howling is a form of canine communication, that can indicate excitement and happiness, bond pack members as they join in, like humans when they sing together, be used to attract a mate, tell other wolves where they are, identify themselves over distance and communicate with other nearby packs.

Answer 3

I didn't know they did.

The only reference to howling at the moon I've come accross involves dogs.

It is Shakespearean - Julius Caesar

"I'd rather be a cur and bay the moon than such a Roman"

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf#Howling