A lone coyote has stunned biologists by swimming an impressive 2 miles (3.2 km) from Angel Island to Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay, surpassing initial estimates of a shorter journey. Earlier this year, the male coyote was spotted paddling through the swift, choppy waters that have historically thwarted escape attempts from the former federal prison.
Initially, biologists believed the coyote had swum from San Francisco, a distance of just over 1 mile (1.6 km). However, DNA analysis of scat and tracks found on Alcatraz revealed that the animal actually originated from Angel Island, doubling the expected distance. Bill Merkle, a wildlife ecologist with the National Park Service, expressed admiration for the coyote's feat, stating, "Our working assumption was that the coyote made the swim from San Francisco because it is a significantly shorter distance. We couldn't help being impressed by his accomplishment in making it to Alcatraz."
Resilience and Adaptability
Merkle highlighted the coyote's resilience and adaptability, traits that are well-known in the species. Camilla Fox, founder and executive director of the non-profit Project Coyote, noted that while coyotes are capable swimmers, it is extremely rare for humans to witness such a long journey through challenging ocean currents. She speculated that the coyote likely left Angel Island in search of a mate or new territory, driven by natural instincts.
Eyewitness Accounts
Video footage from early January captured the coyote paddling through the chilly waters of the San Francisco Bay and struggling to climb onto the rocky shores of Alcatraz. A later sighting on January 24 by Rebecca Husson, who was visiting for a cousin's wedding, provided further evidence of the animal's presence. Husson described the coyote as initially looking like a "drowned rat" but later appearing healthy and well-fed. "He looked like he had been eating well," she told the Associated Press.
Biologists collected fresh tracks and scat for DNA analysis at the University of California, Davis, confirming the coyote's origin from Angel Island. The National Park Service had prepared to capture and relocate the animal due to Alcatraz's role as a seabird nesting habitat, but the coyote has not been seen or detected since, leaving its current whereabouts unknown.
Historical Context
Alcatraz Island operated as a federal prison from the 1930s to the 1960s, housing some of the most dangerous criminals. Its remote location and treacherous currents made escape nearly impossible, with 36 men attempting 14 separate escapes, most of which ended in capture or death. The island reopened as a park in 1973. Angel Island, a state park, once served as a processing and detention center for immigrants, including Chinese immigrants, who were held for varying periods.
Fox emphasized the challenges coyotes faced in colonizing Angel Island, noting their perseverance. She urged visitors to respect coyote families and their dens, especially during pup season, to avoid disturbing these resilient animals.
