Full Breakdown
Coyote Swim to Alcatraz
5/6/2026, 3:41:21 AM
Alcatraz and Angel Island Context
Alcatraz, closed as a prison in the 1960s, reopened as a National Park in 1973. The island now protects seabird nesting on its 22-acre rocky terrain. Angel Island, a state park that once served as a processing and detention center for Chinese and other immigrants—sometimes for up to two years—supports a growing coyote population despite limited habitat.
Key Participants
NPS wildlife ecologist Bill Merkle led the investigation. Project Coyote founder Camilla Fox noted that coyotes can swim and suggested the animal may have been seeking a mate. Dr. Ben Sacks of UC Davis performed DNA matching. Golden Gate National Recreation Area spokesperson Julian Espinoza and park staffer Winchell coordinated response.
Data & Statistics
The swim covered ~2 mi from Angel Island versus 1.25 mi from San Francisco. DNA confirmed the animal was a male and matched it to Angel Island coyotes. Alcatraz spans 22 acres, lacks fresh water. Thousands of seabirds nest each February. Sightings: tourist video (early January) and a Jan 24 photograph.
Official Statements & Responses
NPS officials expressed surprise at the longer swim, noting coyote resilience. They deployed cameras, audio recorders, and collected scat for analysis. Staff prepared to capture and relocate the animal within a week if it remained, especially during seabird breeding. A post-breeding return could allow monitoring.
Criticism & Concerns
Staff warned that a predator on a small, water-scarce island could threaten nesting birds, that the lack of fresh water and absence of cover hinder long-term survival.
On-the-Ground Reports
A tourist video captured the coyote paddling and shivering ashore. Biologists later found fresh tracks and scat, sent to UC Davis. The animal struggled to climb the rocky shore. Months of camera monitoring yielded no further evidence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree the coyote’s location is unknown; no remains or additional sightings have been documented. The lack of post-arrival data leaves its fate unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are surprised by the coyote's origin,” — Bill Merkle, NPS wildlife ecologist
- “We have never, ever heard such a story of a coyote making such a long journey in a pretty challenging ocean current,” — Camilla Fox, Project Coyote
- “Our lab was able to take the DNA sample and match it to a coyote previously sampled from the Angel Island population,” — Dr. Ben Sacks, UC Davis
- “Coyotes can be commonly seen throughout our San Francisco and Marin parklands but never before on Alcatraz,” — Julian Espinoza, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
What’s Next
The National Park Service continues to monitor Alcatraz with remote sensors and plans to relocate the coyote should it reappear, aiming to protect the island’s seabird colonies while monitoring its behavior if it returns after breeding.
