The reason wolves howl at the moon is not actually because of the moon, but for communication and caution Wolves are mostly active at night, howling to locate each other in the dark and to maintain communication with the pack This howl can be heard far and wide, signaling other wolves and warning other animals that may be invading their territory Since wolves were often seen howling on moonlit nights, it just seemed like wolves were howling at the moon In reality, the wolf's howl has no direct connection to the moon, which gave rise to the perception that 'wolves howl at the moon', but behind it lies the wolf's unique way of communicating