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Coyote's Rare Swim to Alcatraz Sparks Curiosity

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A coyote was filmed swimming to Alcatraz Island on January 11, marking the first sighting there.
Aidan Moore, an employee, reported the sighting after viewing video of the exhausted animal reaching the shore.
Experts believe the coyote swam from San Francisco, facing strong tides.
The National Park Service calls the event rare, with no further sightings since, and Wildlife ecologist Brett Furnas plans to study coyote swimming behavior.

History

Historical Context

Alcatraz Island transitioned from a military fort to a federal prison in 1934, housing notorious criminals like Al Capone. The National Park Service now manages the island, emphasizing wildlife conservation. A recent coyote sighting underscores urban wildlife adaptability, reflecting broader trends in metropolitan areas where wildlife encounters are increasingly common, necessitating new conservation strategies.

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Story summary

A coyote was filmed swimming to Alcatraz Island on January 11, marking the first sighting there.
Aidan Moore, an employee, reported the sighting after viewing video of the exhausted animal reaching the shore.
Experts believe the coyote swam from San Francisco, facing strong tides.
The National Park Service calls the event rare, with no further sightings since, and Wildlife ecologist Brett Furnas plans to study coyote swimming behavior.

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