Coyote Makes Unprecedented Swim to Alcatraz Island, Sparking Wildlife Interest
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — In a remarkable wildlife event, a coyote was caught on camera swimming to Alcatraz Island, marking the first known instance of the species visiting the former prison turned tourist attraction. The footage, captured by a visitor and shared by Aidan Moore, a guest relations employee with Alcatraz City Cruises, shows the coyote paddling through the chilly waters before climbing onto the rocky shoreline.
Moore, who was assisting visitors disembarking at the dock, was alerted by a tourist who recorded the unusual arrival. After posting the video on social media, Moore promptly contacted the National Park Service rangers stationed on the island. Despite their efforts, the animal was not located, leading to speculation that it may have swum back to the mainland or could be hiding somewhere on the island.
Janet Kessler, an amateur naturalist with over 20 years of experience studying coyote behavior in the San Francisco area, weighed in on the animal’s prospects. She noted that the coyote could survive on Alcatraz for at least a short period, given the availability of food sources and fresh water puddles. “Coyotes are highly adaptable,” Kessler said in an interview with KPIX-TV. “This one likely came from either San Francisco or nearby Angel Island, both known habitats for coyotes. It would have had to swim over a mile to reach Alcatraz, which is quite a feat.”
Julian Espinoza, spokesperson for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which manages Alcatraz, confirmed that this was the first documented case of a coyote visiting the island. “Coyotes are commonly seen throughout our San Francisco and Marin parklands, but never before on Alcatraz,” Espinoza said in an email to SFGate. “Our park biologists were surprised and intrigued by this unprecedented sighting.”
The presence of a coyote on Alcatraz raises questions about the island’s ecosystem and the adaptability of wildlife in urban-adjacent environments. While Alcatraz is primarily known for its historical significance as a federal penitentiary, it also supports a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and small mammals. The arrival of a coyote could introduce new dynamics to the island’s ecology.
Experts advise visitors and park staff to maintain a safe distance if the coyote remains on the island. Kessler emphasized the importance of respecting the animal’s space, stating, “Leave the coyote alone because this is it doing what it does best.” The National Park Service encourages the public to report any further sightings to help monitor the situation.
This extraordinary event highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of wildlife navigating urban landscapes. The coyote’s swim to Alcatraz not only offers a rare glimpse into animal behavior but also underscores the interconnectedness of natural habitats and human history in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For more information on wildlife management and safety in national parks, visit the National Park Service Wildlife Management page. Updates on this story will be provided as park officials continue their observations.
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