Coyote's Unexpected 2-Mile Swim to Alcatraz Island Surprises Scientists
Coyote swam 2 miles to Alcatraz Island, going farther than scientists expected
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
A male coyote swam 2 miles from Angel Island to Alcatraz Island, surprising biologists who initially believed it swam from San Francisco. This remarkable journey showcases the resilience of coyotes, as they adapt to challenging environments in search of mates or territory.
- 01The coyote swam 2 miles from Angel Island to Alcatraz Island.
- 02Biologists initially thought the coyote swam from San Francisco, which is 1 mile away.
- 03The coyote's journey demonstrates its resilience and adaptability.
- 04It was last seen in January 2023, but has not been spotted since.
- 05Visitors are advised to avoid disturbing coyote families during pup season.
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Earlier this year, a male coyote made headlines when it swam 2 miles (3.2 km) from Angel Island to Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison located in the San Francisco Bay. Initially, biologists believed the coyote swam from San Francisco, just over 1 mile (1.6 km) away. Bill Merkle, a wildlife ecologist with the National Park Service, expressed surprise at the coyote's longer journey, highlighting its resilience and adaptability. Camilla Fox, founder of Project Coyote, suggested the coyote may have been searching for a mate or new territory. Video footage captured the coyote struggling to reach the rocky island, and it was later spotted by visitors who noted its healthy appearance. Despite efforts to monitor the coyote, it has not been seen since its initial sighting. Alcatraz Island, known for its notorious escape attempts, has a history of being a federal prison from the 1930s until its closure in the 1960s. Angel Island, where the coyote originated, is a state park that has its own challenges for wildlife. Fox urges visitors to respect coyote habitats during pup season.
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The coyote's journey highlights the adaptability of wildlife in urban areas, prompting discussions on conservation and wildlife management.
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