Hearing an eerie, laugh-like sound coming from the backyard may sound like the beginning of a scary movie, but for one Los Angeles resident, it ended in one of the most memorable wildlife encounters she’s had in her own backyard.
Melanie, who goes by @mela_nie.exe on social media, has been sharing breathtaking videos of the coyotes who call her hillside yard home since last year. Recently, however, they’ve taken to making an eerie giggling sound at all hours of the day (and night). On January 31, Melanie finally caught them in the act, and neither she nor her viewers can stop watching.
If I could see coyotes from my window, I’d never get anything done! Their laughing sounds may be spooky, but they’re also beautiful, fascinating creatures who have lived in the Los Angeles hills longer than people have. This may be @mela_nie.exe‘s backyard, but it’s the animals’ home, too!
Melalnie sees her coyote visitors so frequently that she can distinguish them from one another. She even shared a picture of the third coyote, the one closest to her house, as a pup! Watching these majestic animals grow up must be such a gift, even if some of their noises are unnerving to say the least.
Related: Long-Awaited Update on Coyote Who Swam From San Francisco to Alcatraz Is a Massive Relief
Some commenters, like @brightie, can’t get enough of their “hootin’ and hollerin,'” while others are simply grateful this meeting isn’t taking place in their backyard. There may be only three curious coyotes, but it sounds like there are at least six or seven. How do they do that?
Coyotes’ Yips and Laughs
This type of communication is called the ‘beau geste’ effect.” @thebeemaven explained. “This is exactly why people think coyotes always run in large packs, because they are able to make it sound like there are many more of them than there actually are. Honey bees do this as well.”
How fascinating! Coyotes usually chuckle and yip to communicate with other coyotes, but it can also serve as a way to alert others to a threat or a way to dispute a territorial conflict. In this case, it seems like they were all trying to say hello!
Melanie is so generous to share these videos with her followers, though no one knows what to expect from these wild animals next. Coyotes may be creatures of habit, like dogs, but they aren’t nearly as predictable!
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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.