Biologists initially speculated the resilient animal had made the shorter 1.6-kilometre (one-mile) journey from San Francisco<\/a>. However, DNA analysis of tracks and scat later revealed the male coyote had undertaken an even more arduous 3.2-kilometre (two-mile) swim from nearby Angel Island.<\/a><\/p>\n “Our working assumption was that the coyote made the swim from San Francisco because it is a significantly shorter distance. We couldn\u2019t help being impressed by his accomplishment in making it to Alcatraz<\/a>,” said Bill Merkle, a wildlife ecologist with the National Park Service<\/a>, in a news release. He added: “Coyotes are known to be resilient and adaptable, and he certainly demonstrated those qualities.”<\/p>\n Camilla Fox, founder and executive director of the non-profit Project Coyote, suggested the animal likely embarked on its journey in search of a mate or new territory. While coyotes, much like wolves, are known to swim, Ms Fox noted it is exceptionally rare for humans to witness such an event. “We have never, ever heard such a story of a coyote making such a long journey in a pretty challenging ocean current,” she stated.<\/p>\n The coyote\u2019s presence was first captured on video in early January, showing it paddling through the chilly San Francisco Bay and struggling to clamber onto the rocky island. A visitor sighting and photograph followed on 24 January. Fresh tracks and scat were subsequently found and sent to the University of California, Davis, for DNA analysis, which confirmed its origin from Angel Island\u2019s coyote population.<\/p>\n Given Alcatraz\u2019s crucial role as a seabird nesting habitat, the park service had prepared to capture and relocate the coyote. However, it has not been spotted or recorded since, and there is currently no evidence to suggest the animal remains on the island.<\/p>\n![\"Alcatraz](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ALCATRAZ-COYOTE_24399.jpg\")
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco (AP)<\/p>\n