How bears communicate through vocalisations

What it sounds like
A rhythmic, pulsing ‘hum’ made with vibrating lips and cheeks. It’s most often heard in nursing cubs, but some adult bears also make this sound while gently suckling on their own body or on another bear.

What it means
Among cubs, motoring is usually heard during or just after nursing. Interestingly, hand-reared cubs may hum even after they’re full, suggesting the sound isn’t simply about stimulating milk flow as once believed.

Instead, the gentle vibration may help soothe both mother and cub and strengthen their bond. Scientists believe the humming acts as a signal of wellbeing, especially for young cubs communicating to a resting or dormant mother.Adults also hum when they’re feeling particularly comfortable or content – for example, while eating a favourite food or during other calming, pleasurable moments. In sanctuary settings, motoring is commonly observed, especially in individuals who were separated from their mother early in life.

However, research has only documented this behaviour in adults in bears living under human care- not in wild bears. It occurs in many bear species, including Asiatic black bears, and may be an additional sign that the bear is distressed and feels the need to self-soothe. Overall, motoring is a sound of comfort, reassurance, and emotional security – a gentle ‘all is well’ message.

What it sounds like
A guttural, popping or clicking sound made with the mouth open. Sometimes the sides of the mouth puff outward slightly, as if small bursts of air are being pushed out. At our sanctuaries this is often called a cluck, while other sources refer to it as a pop.

What it means
Bears use this sound in a surprisingly wide range of situations, most of them involving communication with another individual. A cluck/pop can express:

• Friendly intent, such as inviting play or showing interest

• Appeasement, used to reduce tension

• Reunion-seeking, when searching for a close companion they’ve been separated from

• Concern, especially if a friend is in a vulnerable position or they can’t locate their friend

• Curiosity, when investigating another bear or an object

• Uncertainty or nervousness, particularly when the clucking speeds up

• Playfulness, relief, or even boredom, depending on the context

In the wild, clucking has also been observed in mother black bears searching for their cubs, illustrating how strongly it’s tied to social communication and emotional connection.

What it sounds like
A quick, sharp, high-pitched yelp, often repeated several times with short pauses of a few seconds in between.

What it means
This vocalisation is heard in a very specific and emotionally charged situation: when two bears who share a close social bond become separated. The grief bark is a distress call – a way of expressing panic, sadness, or despair at being apart from a preferred companion.

It’s similar to a human calling out for someone they’re deeply attached to, signalling the depth of the relationship and the bear’s emotional need for connection.

What it sounds like
A soft, low, very quick exhale – subtle enough that it can be missed unless you’re watching or listening closely. Unlike blowing or snorting, the lips are not usually elongated or pursed. It may resemble a gentle ‘huff’ but at a much lower intensity and faster pace.

What it means
This vocalisation is used to express mild tension or nervousness. It often appears just after a bear has gone through something that made them slightly uncomfortable.  It can be similar to blowing, but it’s a softer, less forceful version.

In some contexts, the audible exhale seems to reflect a sense of relief – similar to a frightened person letting out a small breath once they feel safe again. In American black bears, this type of quiet huff has been described when a scared bear stops running or feels secure enough to climb down from a tree.

At the sanctuary, bears may audibly exhale:

• during training, especially if asked to perform a behaviour when feeling nervous

• after a tense interaction with another bear

• when wary about entering a transport cage

• when feeling unsure in social situations

What it sounds like
A very short, slightly high-pitched sound – usually one to two seconds – that starts at a slightly higher pitch and gently drops lower. It’s similar to a ‘whoo’  but stronger and louder.

What it means
Whining often appears in the same situations as grumbling. A bear may whine when they feel uneasy, intimidated, or unsure about another bear’s intentions. Sometimes it happens on its own; other times it’s the first step in a sequence, starting with a whine and developing into a grumble if the bear continues to feel uncomfortable.

What it sounds like
A low, throaty rumble made with the mouth closed or lips slightly pursed – often sounding like a long ‘uhhhhhh.’ It can be very soft or almost growl-like, and sometimes comes just after a whine.

What it means
Bears typically grumble when they feel uncertain, nervous, or threatened by another individual. It’s often a first warning signal – a way of saying ‘I’m uncomfortable; please give me space.’

While it can precede more aggressive behaviour, it’s not necessarily meant to escalate a conflict. In many cases, the bear is trying to avoid things getting out of hand. How another bear responds depends on their relationship and temperament: some may ignore it, while others may reply with defensive displays like open-mouthing.

Grumbling is especially common in bears with more anxious personalities or those who have a history of fear or trauma.

What it sounds like
A short, one-two second ‘whoo’ sound made with the mouth slightly open and lips extended. Bears may repeat it several times in a row, with a brief pause between each call.

What it means
This vocalisation expresses distress – often linked to fear, anxiety, unease, or general nervousness. It’s been observed in situations that are overwhelming or frightening for bears, such as being separated from a preferred companion, entering a new environment, or being transported by truck.

Overall, the ‘whoo’ is a reassurance-seeking call – a sign that the bear is feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, or unsure.

What it sounds like
A sharp, loud exhale that sounds like ‘tuh, tuh,’ almost like a short cough. The bear’s lips are elongated and pursed, similar to the posture seen in blowing or snorting.

What it means
This vocalisation has been observed in Tibetan brown bears and Asiatic black bears and is considered a close relative of the ‘blow.’ Bears tend to produce a tut when they feel alert, uneasy, or concerned about something happening nearby – especially activity or tension in neighbouring enclosures.

For example, a bear may tut while watching another individual they’re unsure about or when monitoring a situation that feels unpredictable or uncomfortable. It’s often paired with vigilant body language, such as sitting hunched at the front of the enclosure and keeping a close eye on another bear.

Overall, the tut signals mild anxiety, concern, or wariness – a way for the bear to express that they’re on edge about what’s happening around them.

What it sounds like
A single, sharp, loud burst of air blown forcefully through pursed, elongated lips – sometimes with a small spray of saliva. It’s a quick exhale rather than a sustained sound.

What it means
Blowing is part of a broader set of behaviours known as blustering and is typically produced by a bear that feels nervous, uncertain, crowded, or threatened. It’s essentially a clear ‘back off’ signal aimed at creating more space – whether the target is another bear, a person, or something else the bear finds unsettling.

This sound often comes with other behaviours like lip-smacking, and while it may look dramatic, it’s not usually a precursor to aggression. Instead, it’s an expression of discomfort and a request for distance. Both cubs and adults use this vocalisation.

Blowing is frequently observed in Asiatic black bears, especially when they’re in transport cages or confined spaces. It can also occur when a bear feels uneasy about someone approaching too closely, or even when the bear is alone but experiencing internal stress.

When directed at humans, the blow is often more intense than when used toward other bears – likely reflecting a higher level of arousal or worry in that moment. In brown and American black bears, this sound is often referred to as huffing and is described as part of threat-related behaviour in those species.

What it sounds like
A high-pitched, pulsing vocalisation made by a bear while it is eating. The sound increases in volume and intensity as another bear approaches or is perceived to be getting too close.

What it means
This is a clear warning that a bear feels protective over its food and wants others to keep their distance. Many bears recognise and respect this signal, backing away when they hear it. But reactions can vary depending on the relationship between the individuals, their social ranking, and the time of year.

Food-protective calls are especially common during hyperphagia, when bears are more driven to eat and competition over food increases. Bears that are closely bonded may still choose to share food, while those lower in the social hierarchy – or individuals who are naturally more cautious or anxious – are more likely to become defensive and produce this vocalisation.

If an approaching bear ignores the warning, the protective bear may escalate by growling or swiping, or may choose to retreat depending on the situation. The call can sometimes start out lower-pitched when the threat feels distant or only perceived, then becomes louder and sharper as the risk of losing their food becomes more real.

What it sounds like
A rapid, rhythmic ‘huh-huh-huh’ sound made with the mouth open. It resembles a fast, intense version of clucking. The vocalisation has two parts: a sharp popping or clicking element and a noisy huffing pulse.

What it means
Pop-huffing is a high-intensity vocalisation used during serious conflict or threat situations. Bears may produce it while charging towards another bear, standing their ground, or even retreating defensively if they feel cornered or frightened – either for themselves or for a close companion.

The sound usually elicits an immediate reaction from the other bear, who may back away or respond with an open-mouth display. Pop-huffing can be a precursor to aggression, and it’s considerably more intense than grumbling. It has been documented in all bear species except giant pandas.

What it sounds like
A loud, deep, guttural sound directed at another bear. Growls can be brief bursts or long, sustained vocalisations. Depending on the individual, a growl may blend into a harsher whine or scream-like sound.

What it means
Growling is usually reserved for moments of high tension. Bears produce this sound during serious conflicts or when emotions and stress levels are at their peak. It’s a clear, forceful warning – used either defensively (‘stay back’) or offensively (‘I’m ready to escalate’).

Sometimes only one bear growls; other times both individuals vocalise before a confrontation becomes physical. Either way, a growl signals that the bear feels highly threatened, overwhelmed, or determined to assert itself.

What it sounds like
An extremely loud, deep burst of sound that comes out suddenly and lasts only a second or two. It resembles a growl, but is far more powerful and intense.

What it means
Unlike growls – which relate to social tension – a roar is usually a reflexive response to sudden pain or shock. The combination of surprise and discomfort triggers this sharp, explosive vocalisation.

Because it’s so short and dramatic, and not typically used in interactions with other bears, a roar stands out clearly from other agonistic sounds.

What it sounds like
A high-pitched cry, often with a slightly guttural edge. It can last a few seconds – usually longer and more drawn out than a growl. This vocalisation sounds very similar, and sometimes identical, to the general scream or bellow, so its meaning depends entirely on the context in which it occurs.

What it means
While the reason for this vocalization isn’t fully understood, it’s thought to be related to the intensity of the situation, signalling the presence of intense emotions.

What it sounds like
A loud, high-pitched cry that can come from either males or females. Sometimes it has a rough, guttural edge. Its length varies, but it’s often longer and more drawn out than a growl. This sound can be almost identical to the vocalisation made during mating, so its meaning depends heavily on the situation.

What it means
Screaming or bellowing is a high-intensity vocalisation used in moments of strong emotion. At Animals Asia’s sanctuaries, it’s most often heard in three contexts:

1. Food anticipation: Bears may scream when they are extremely hungry or excited about feeding time, especially during hyperphagia (the seasonal period when they eat more). It can start softly and intermittently but becomes louder and longer as anticipation or agitation rises.

2. Conflict or frustration: Bears may scream during agonistic interactions, especially highly fearful, frustrated, or angry individuals. This is particularly common when they can see or smell another bear but can’t physically reach them – for example, when a slide or barrier is closed during an altercation.

3. Mating: Bears produce a similar (sometimes identical) scream during mating interactions.

In some individuals, a natural growl can sound very similar to a whine or scream, which is why context is key for understanding this vocalisation.