A quiet Saturday evening in Toronto, Canada, took an unexpected turn for Melissa Kennedy and her dog, Barkley. While she was at home, a strange series of sounds coming from a nearby park caught her attention.
At first, she thought it was a dog in distress. So she decided to go outside – lead in hand, with Barkley by her side – to see what was happening. But what she discovered had nothing to do with a pet in trouble.
An auditory illusion
When Melissa spotted the animals, she expected to see a whole pack. Yet, there were only two coyotes in the park. The astonishing thing was the sound they were making. The two canids were producing a series of calls that made it seem like there were many more of them.
Melissa recognised it as an auditory illusion known as the “beau geste effect”. This is where a small group of coyotes can modulate their vocalisations to give the impression of a much larger pack. It’s an unusual behaviour, and it’s what prompted her to go outside to listen to these unique sounds.
The coyotes continued to vocalise for several minutes, captivating both Melissa and Barkley. They stood and listened, fascinated by the mysterious moment.
Deceptive calm in the heart of the city
The video Melissa posted on Barkley's Instagram account (@barkley_the_pup) quickly proved popular, gaining over 5,300 likes and hundreds of comments. Among the reactions, some viewers praised the beauty of the sound. Others explained that such cries can indicate the presence of prey like rabbits, which matches what Melissa had observed in the park.
This unique moment is not just a rare occurrence; it also highlights a broader phenomenon. Coyotes are no longer just visitors to rural areas. They now regularly roam through urban areas like Toronto, where they have adapted to an environment significantly altered by humans.
In fact, the city has recorded numerous coyote sightings this year. This is proof that these canids are venturing ever closer to residential areas, even at night.
