Foxes in real life make a wide variety of sounds used for communication, including barks, screams, howls, whines, and a distinctive chattering called "gekkering."

• Barks : Fox barks are short, sharp, and high-pitched sounds used to communicate with other foxes, mark territory, or warn intruders. These barks can vary in tone and are often used to identify individuals within a family or warn of threats

• Screams (Vixen’s scream) : This is a high-pitched, eerie howl or scream, often mistaken for a human in distress. It is most common during the mating season and is primarily used by females (vixens) to attract mates, though males can also produce it. This scream can be startling to humans at night

• Gekkering : A rapid, staccato chatter or clicking sound made during aggressive encounters, fights, or play among foxes, especially juveniles. It signals social tension or competition

• Whines and Whimpers : Softer, more subdued sounds used for communication between mothers and kits, or to express submission or fear. Whines can indicate need or attention-seeking, while whimpers are quieter and often signal submission or distress

• Howls and Yelps : Occasionally, foxes emit longer calls resembling a mix of howling and barking. These can serve as distress calls or territorial announcements

Fox vocalizations are diverse and can sound quite unsettling or unusual to humans, especially at night when foxes are most active. Their vocal range is more flexible than that of dogs or wolves, allowing them to produce a variety of pitches and tones. Foxes also use vocalizations to maintain contact with family members, greet each other, and signal excitement or alarm

. In summary, a fox "says" many things, from sharp barks to eerie screams and chattering noises, each serving a specific social or survival function in their lives