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Coyote reaches Alcatraz after mile-long swim
A lone coyote, nicknamed Floyd, has become the first documented of its species to reach Alcatraz Island in over five decades after swimming more than a mile across San Francisco Bay.
Survival on 'The Rock'
Footage shared by local tour guide Aidan Moore shows the animal, believed to be male, arriving on the island's rocks two weeks ago. Initially gaunt and shivering in the bay's 10°C (50°F) waters, Floyd has since gained weight, likely by preying on seabirds.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) confirmed the coyote's presence-the first recorded since the island became a national park in 1972. Park biologists are monitoring Floyd to assess his impact on the island's seabird breeding colony, which nests from February to September.
Water scarcity and human intervention
Alcatraz lacks fresh water sources, raising concerns about Floyd's long-term survival. Naturalist Janet Kessler suggests he may rely on rain puddles or garden runoff, while Moore warns that his welfare could depend on human assistance.
"He can't stay if he becomes a threat to the birds," Moore said, noting that Floyd's behavior will determine whether authorities relocate him. The coyote has been spotted in restricted areas, leaving behind half-eaten birds and droppings collected for DNA testing.
Why did Floyd cross the bay?
Experts speculate Floyd fled territorial pressure in San Francisco, where coyote sightings have risen over the past 25 years. Kessler explained that coyotes naturally drive out rivals, limiting population growth. "He might have needed a new home," she said.
Wildlife ecologist Brett Furnas told the Los Angeles Times that urban expansion may push coyotes to seek new habitats, including islands like Alcatraz.
Tourism and coexistence concerns
Project Coyote, an advocacy group, cautions that Alcatraz's heavy tourist traffic could endanger both Floyd and visitors. Founder Camilla Fox emphasized that most conflicts arise from human feeding, urging non-interference to allow Floyd to adapt.
"Coyotes thrive even in dense cities. If left undisturbed, he could survive-though it may be a lonely existence without a mate."
Camilla Fox, Project Coyote
Kessler predicts Floyd may eventually leave, as the 22-acre island offers limited territory. "If he wants to go back, he'll swim," she said.
Public access unaffected
The GGNRA confirmed that Floyd's presence does not affect Alcatraz's tourism, with the island remaining open to visitors. Meanwhile, scientists continue to observe the coyote's behavior, weighing the risks to wildlife against the rare opportunity to study urban coyote adaptation.
