Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night (2024)

Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night is on October 26, which is in Halloween week. It does add to some out-of-this-world activities for that week. Although it sounds as if it is focused on Halloween, Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night is not just about having your fill of unnerving goose-flesh. It is also associated with animal welfare, specifically that of the wolf, the non-domesticated defender of the wild. It creates awareness about groups that work with wolf conservation. But it is also about groups of people howling at the moon, with even cities in the U.S. creating fun events where people belt it out to the full moon.

History of Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night

Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night is a tribute to animals that apparently howl at the moon. With the previous statement, what immediately comes to mind is the wolf. Some peg wolves as pests and wild dangerous beats, but they are actually highly intelligent, intricate creatures, with evidence of existence that dates back as far as 1.5 million years ago. There is nothing more epic than the picture of a wolf tilting its head towards the moon, howling. We’re sure somewhere, somehow, you have seen this image. The name of this holiday itself originated from the notion that the wolf is howling to the moon, although it is actually communicating with other wolves.

It is the author and animator, Johnny DePalma, who founded this bizarre holiday on April 26, 2009. He first called it ‘The Planet Wide Moon Howl Event’. From then on, the day is observed annually, every October 26. It is also identified as the Howl at the Moon Day. It is the holiday wherein people literally howl at the moon to mark the occasion.

It is also a day when people are educated and made aware that conservationists are working in wolf conservation organizations like Wolf Haven. Such an organization is a safe haven and sanctuary for captive-born, injured and displaced wolves.

The holiday comes up with programs and activities which are enablers of additional funds and resources for establishments like Wolf Haven. The holiday also spreads awareness on wolf conservation, and how people are able to help in promoting and sustaining this very relevant group.

Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night timeline

3 Million Years Ago

Middle Pliocene Era

The large wolf-sized Canis appear in China.

1800’s

Man and Wolves in Contact

In the U.S., expansion brings settlers into direct contact with predator and prey species, and much of the wolves’ prey base is destroyed.

September 10, 1982

Wolf Haven International

Wolf Haven International is established.

April 26, 2009

Johnny DePalma

Planet Wide Moon Howl event is created by Johnny DePalma and people worldwide participate.

2021

The First Celebration

Stemlit sponsors Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night and the first celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor:learn how.

Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night FAQs

Do wolves eat people?

Usually, only rabid wolves attack people, and there have been no documented wolf attacks on people from 1900 to 2000.

Is it normal to howl at the moon?

Howling at the moon is cathartic, and has even been employed as a ritual at parties and gatherings, but would be frowned upon as a daily ritual.

Do dogs react to the full moon?

Many people feel that their dogs become more energetic, vocal, and active when the moon is full, which could be because it is brighter outside.

How to Celebrate Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night

  1. Fuel your call of the wild

    Gather some of your family or friends and head out to the forest. You could even build a campfire in your own backyard and literally howl at the moon. That way, the whole family can get into howling stress relief.

  2. Support Wolf Haven

    Make some donations to animal and protection groups such as Wolf Haven. Better yet, become a member! That would make a difference to volunteers and fellow members who rescue and care for the wolves, as well as the animals themselves.

  3. Help spread Awareness

    In this sophisticated digital modern futuristic world, you can celebrate and help at the same time with just a click from your state-of-the-art smartphone. You can post the hashtags of the day in your social media accounts from the comfort of your home. #WorldwideHowlAtTheMoonNight, #HowlAtTheMoonNight, and #HowlAtTheMoonDay.

5 Facts About Wolves That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Wolves are not howling at the moon

    Wolves are nighttime creatures that communicate by howling — by lifting their chins, the sound can be projected further.

  2. Wolf Moon is in January

    January’s full moon is often called Wolf Moon because wolves are heard more clearly then.

  3. They can roam long distances

    Wolves can roam up to 30 miles a day at an average of 5 miles an hour.

  4. Life expectancy varies

    The average lifespan of a wild wolf is from 6 to 8 years, and in captivity, 17 years.

  5. They are the ancestors of our pups

    Yes, wolves are the largest members of the family of dogs, tamed by ancient man.

Why We Love Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night

  1. Bizarre but beautiful

    It’s a learning experience worth having. You do not just get the goose-bumps vibe out of it, but also learn a lot of interesting facts about wolves. You can also find out how to help conserve, rescue, and protect these magnificent creatures.

  2. Thrill seeker’s paradise

    Just thinking of going out to the forest to belt it out to the moon is actually fun, and would be a thrilling bonding experience for friends and families.

  3. Commune with nature and make a difference

    Doing something really relevant and helpful such as joining organizations like Wolf Haven is not just fun, but it definitely makes a difference to the environment.

Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night dates

Year Date Day
2024 October 26 Saturday
2025 October 26 Sunday
2026 October 26 Monday
2027 October 26 Tuesday
2028 October 26 Thursday

Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night related holidays

FriAug 15Featured Chant at the Moon Day
ThuOct 31Featured Halloween
FriMar 21Featured International Day of Forests

See More

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