A lone coyote that swam more than a mile across the San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island is being monitored by scientists and could be moved if its presence threatens birds on the infamous Californian island.
The canine, called Floyd, appears to be thriving on The Rock - renowned for its abandoned prison - and getting by on an avian diet. Whether Floyd can stay on Alcatraz depends entirely on how it behaves, says Aidan Moore, a local tour guide who shared footage of the coyote's journey. Complicating matters, he adds, is that there are no fresh water sources, which could make the animal's welfare dependent on human intervention.
Video footage of Floyd - believed to be a male - hopping onto Alcatraz's rocks was captured by a tourist and shared with Moore. The gaunt coyote appeared to be shivering from the bay water which is about 10C (50F). But he has plumped up since, says Moore, who is originally from the Cotswolds, in England. On Saturday, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) observed and photographed the coyote, confirming that it is the same coyote seen swimming to the island nearly two weeks earlier.
This coyote is the first documented presence of its kind on Alcatraz since the island was transferred to the National Park Service in 1972. Park biologists are actively monitoring Floyd to understand how he survives and to assess any potential impacts to the seabird breeding colony. The coyote's presence does not affect public access to the island, which remains open to visitors.
Floyd has to catch enough birds to sustain his dietary needs, Moore notes, but catching them appears to be relatively easy given the numerous birds on the island. He might also find hydration from rain puddles or water from gardens. Experts speculate that Floyd may have moved to Alcatraz due to overcrowding on the mainland, where territorial pressures exist.
While tourists are fascinated, safety risks for both Floyd and visitors are a concern. Project Coyote, an organization devoted to coexistence with coyotes, expresses hope for Floyd's survival but emphasizes the importance of non-intervention, should Floyd adjust to his new environment. Observations continue as scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike await to see what the future holds for this remarkable coyote.
