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Drivers across the UK are being urged to listen out for telltale 'screaming' noises on the roads this January.

From strange barking and howling to blood-curdling screams, it might sound like your neighbourhood has turned into a cheap horror flick in the dead of night right now.

But actually, despite being a touch disconcerting, it's not even human.

According to ecologists at Arbtech, the strange and slightly chilling array of noises is caused by foxes out in the streets looking for a mate, which in turn brings a risk of a crash.

The orange vulpines are in the peak of their mating season between late December and early February, and their very vocal yelping is a part of their annual mating cycle.

And because of their mating season, foxes, in particular male foxes, are often on the move and are at an increased risk of being hit by cars, which can be fatal to the animal and of course, could seriously damage your car too.

Arbtech says: "While the sounds - from barking to eerie screams - can be startling and sound as though the animals are in distress, they are perfectly normal mating calls and part of the foxes' natural behaviour.

"However, this does bring increased road risks. With foxes moving further and more frequently than usual to find mates, drivers are more likely to encounter them on rural and suburban roads, particularly after dark.

"Male foxes roam widely in search of females, often venturing into suburban streets and residential areas.

"This can increase the risk of road accidents in urban and rural areas, so drivers should stay vigilant, particularly after dark."

A spokesperson for the firm told the Express: "Fox mating season can be surprisingly noisy, and the screams can be worrying if you haven't heard them before or don't know where it's coming from.

"This is completely natural behaviour - the foxes aren't injured or fighting, they're just trying to attract a mate.

"At the same time, their increased movement means people do need to take extra care on the roads, particularly in rural areas or suburban communities where foxes are known to frequent.

"Our advice is to slow down, stay alert, and watch out for wildlife crossing this winter."