Expert: Julia Booth - 4/10/2008

Question
Bucks Co, Pa. Suburbia. At 11pm was woken by a loud noise that was something between a screech and a wild cat (couger) cry. I have no idea what is was but I think it was in a tree in the back yard. When I turned on the spot light, the noise stopped. 15 seconds later, The noise continued front the front yard. Screamed about 7 more times then stopped. I haven't heard it since. I am sure it was not human.  I think it was a bird.Thought it was in a tree, but not sure. Each sound was about 3 seconds long with a slightly longer interval between. Sound was spooky, something I have never heard (I'm 54)even when camping in the woods. Blood curdling. Hope u can help.

Answer
No Cougars or Pumas in Pennsylvania. You have Lynx and Bobcats, neither of which tend to be nocturnal

The sound made by a Barn Owl can often resemble a human scream. Many people are unaware of the myriad of noises made by Barn Owls. The Lynx does scream, but not likely at night. Both the Lynx and the Bobcat can be found in trees. But, it's possible that what you heard was some mating going on. So you should listen to each of these to see if any of them help you. (My instincts and experience tells me it was probably a barn owl, though)

http://www.enature.com
(search Barn Owl, Lynx and Bobcat to listen to samples of each)