Overview
- The lone coyote arrived Jan. 11 after swimming roughly a mile across San Francisco Bay, the first documented resident on Alcatraz since 1972.
- Recent observations and photos show the animal has fattened up while feeding on the island’s birds, with carcasses reported near the parade grounds.
- The National Park Service says biologists are actively monitoring the coyote to assess survival and risks to the breeding colony.
- Officials indicate relocation to the mainland could occur if the animal disrupts nesting birds, though no move has been announced.
- Advocates, including naturalist Janet Kessler, urge rangers to let the coyote remain, saying it avoids people and relocation can be harmful.