The image of a wolf silhouetted against the night sky has led many to believe that wolves howl at the moon. However, scientific investigation into the behavior of these canines reveals that the moon's presence has to do with their iconic vocalizations. Wolves use howling as a form of communication, not as a homage to the celestial body above. Howling serves several critical within wolf packs: it helps members keep in , allowing them to locate one another when separated by large distances. It also serves as a territorial claim, warning other packs away from their domain. The that wolves howl at the moon likely stems from the coincidental timing of their howls with the moon's visibility in the night sky. Wolves are more active during the night, which is also when the moon is most visible, leading to the association between the two. Additionally, the posture a wolf adopts when howling — nose pointed upwards — further the myth. In reality, wolves point their muzzles toward the sky to project their calls as far as possible, not because they are directing their howls at the moon.