Have you ever wondered why wolves howl at the moon? Or have you ever seen a wolf howl at the moon? 

Wolves actually don’t howl directly at the moon. The moon just happens to be there when they howl to speak to the pack. January holds a special full moon called the Full Wolf Moon. The full moon will occur on Monday, January 13, 2025. It will reach its peak illumination at 5:27 PM (EST). Around sunset in the eastern hemisphere, the moon will be visible for everyone to see. By midnight, the moon will glow bright and round. 

The name from the moon comes from Native American, Colonial American, and Europeans. It is said that wolves howled due to hunger during the winter. But, wolves are more likely to be heard howling during this time. So hence, the name the Full Wolf Moon. 

Another name for the January moon is called the “Center Moon” from the Assiniboine people of the Northern Great Plains. They believe that the moon marks the middle of the cold season. Another name for the moon is the “Moon After Yule” from the tradition of Yule. 

Remember to go outside during the sunset to watch the full moon rise. Turn your ears on for the wolves to howl.