Very scary nocturnal animal noise: Northeast U.S.?

Question

During a camping trip about mid June-July several years ago in a fairly remote region of Upstate New York: at about 3am we heard a VERY loud cry which sounded like a hysterical woman laughing for ten to fifteen minutes continuously. The following day, we went in search of a campsite in that direction, but to no avail. Perhaps it was just some druggies having a party, but I've heard that foxes can produce some pretty hair-raising mating calls, and this was straight out of the X Files. Any ideas? Thanks.

Answer 1

Sounds like it could maybe have been a fisher.  I know they have a rather frightening cry, and they are common in parts of New York.  The links I have included should give you some information about them.  I tried to find a recording of their cry for you, but no such luck.  Hope this helps!

Answer 2

screech owl

their sound is often compared to that of a woman screaming

Answer 3

Coydogs or foxes.

It sounds like shaken babies... very haunting indeed.

Answer 4

Maybe a screech owl.