Local wildlife advocates and history buffs alike were left dumbfounded when an individual coyote was seen swimming across the San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. This extraordinary incident drew global fascination with the creature’s unexpected journey. It made historical waves due to the island it was approaching. Alcatraz, formerly a maximum-security prison that held America’s most dangerous criminals, now stands as one of the nation’s most popular public attractions and public museums.
Alcatraz functioned as a federal penitentiary from 1934 until its decommission in 1963. The island is located a little more than a mile from San Francisco proper. Now managed by the U.S. National Park Service, it receives more than 1.3 million visitors annually. Its nefarious past features the likes of Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and James “Whitey” Bulger. Although today the island is a fitting tribute to its great past, it’s now home to an invigorating tour destination.
Onlookers saw the coyote come out on Alcatraz’s rugged shore, looking rather shabby. Eyewitness Aidan Moore of Alcatraz City Cruises took some video of the event and posted it to his Facebook page. He told us through his translator how he couldn’t believe that an animal like that would attempt such a far swim.
Aidan Moore commented, “A coyote swim to Alcatraz from the main island!”
He further added, “The most exciting thing to happen here in ages! That’s a mile and a quarter swim!”
The coyote’s journey was not without struggle. Everyone was on the lookout for a sign of its condition as it escorted across the sound to the island.
He can barely make it. He’s depleted. He is shivering. He is cold, remembered Kessler, one of the day’s other on-scene witnesses to the phenomenon.
Once on Alcatraz, the coyote found herself with an abundance of resources. After discovering banana slugs and mice—both important indicators of ecosystem health—it seems on the path toward recovery. Wildlife on Alcatraz is indeed a rare treat. This particular sighting has sparked a greater conversation on urban animal life and how these creatures have learned to survive and flourish amidst the struggle of city life.
The Golden Gate Bridge looms largely in the background behind Alcatraz. This breathtaking image adds to the striking tableau, drawing thousands of visitors to the location. The island is known for its searing history and eerie tales of failed escapes. Over the last several years, though, a new visitor has come—one who’s spun a different and more positive tale that merges history, culture and environment.
Wildlife has flourished in cities, proving once again the adaptability of a species such as coyotes. This incident was unfortunate, but it does call attention to the fragility of the relationship between human hands and the natural world, particularly in special locations such as Alcatraz.