Strange Sounds Reported in Wisconsin Forest Spark Curiosity
Lakewood, Wisconsin – Cross-country skiers and residents near Lakewood, Wisconsin, are reporting unusual sounds emanating from the Nicolet National Forest, prompting speculation about their origin. A skier reported hearing a sound resembling a cow bleating while skiing in the forest , according to a post shared online.
The initial report, posted on social media, described the sound as a “call and response” that seemed very close at times. This has led to a flurry of discussion and attempts to identify the source of the mysterious noises.
The reports echo similar incidents documented elsewhere. In January 2025, a Lakewood resident captured audio of strange sounds coming from the forest behind their home and posted it online, asking for help identifying them. The Lakewood Scoop published the clip, opening up a public forum for theories.
Online commenters offered a range of possibilities, from wildlife to more unusual explanations. Several individuals suggested the sounds could be attributed to red foxes, specifically a mating call, referencing information available on Wikipedia. One commenter identified the sound as a red fox mating scream, commonly heard during winter months.
Other theories included coyotes, opossums and even sonar. One commenter jokingly suggested the sounds were related to a run on donuts or unidentified flying objects, while another proposed consulting Dr. Rich Roberts for an explanation.
The phenomenon isn’t limited to Lakewood. A Reddit thread discussing unidentified sounds in the Nicolet National Forest mirrors the Lakewood reports. The original poster described the sound as a cow bleating, further fueling the debate about its source.
Experts suggest that many unusual sounds in forested areas can be misidentified. According to Treehugger, as human development encroaches on animal habitats, encounters with wildlife – and their sounds – are becoming more frequent. The publication details how sounds from barred owls, elk, feral hogs, and coyotes are often mistaken for something else entirely.
Wildman of the Woods highlights the “Ohio Howl” and “Sierra Sounds” as examples of noises frequently attributed to Bigfoot, but often traceable to known animal vocalizations. The article points out that the bugle of an elk, unfamiliar to those not accustomed to the sound, can be particularly startling. Similarly, the calls of coyotes, especially in a pack, can sound strange and even unsettling.
Feral hogs, the article notes, produce a variety of noises, including grunts, squeals, and growls, that could easily be misinterpreted. Barred owls, too, are known to make vocalizations that resemble monkey-like sounds, potentially causing alarm at night.
A Facebook post from September 2017 describes a strange sound heard by residents that didn’t resemble typical animal noises like mountain lion screams or bear growls. This suggests the mystery of unexplained sounds in wooded areas is not new.
While the source of the sounds in the Nicolet National Forest and near Lakewood remains unidentified, the range of possibilities highlights the complexity of interpreting sounds in a natural environment. The incidents serve as a reminder that what might seem unusual or even frightening could simply be the natural vocalizations of wildlife.
