After several months of fieldwork and scientific analysis National Park Service researchers have confirmed that the viral coyote who swam to Alcatraz Island in early 2026 most likely originated from Angel Island State Park, not San Francisco as many had assumed.
“Our working assumption was that the coyote made the swim from San Francisco because it is a significantly shorter distance. We couldn’t help being impressed by his accomplishment in making it to Alcatraz. Coyotes are known to be resilient and adaptable, and he certainly demonstrated those qualities.” – NPS Wildlife Ecologist Bill Merkle
Following a January 24th visitor sighting and photograph, park biologists launched a investigation. Staff surveyed Alcatraz for tracks, installed trail cameras and audio recording equipment, and collected biological samples for laboratory analysis. Coyote scat recovered on the island was sent to the UC Davis Mammalian Ecology Unit of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, where DNA testing confirmed the animal was male and matched him to Angel Island’s known coyote population.
“Three distinct coyote populations could have been the source of the Alcatraz coyote, San Francisco, Southern Marin, and Angel Island. Our lab was able to take the DNA sample and match it to a coyote previously sampled from the Angel Island population.” – Dr. Ben Sacks of UC Davis
Despite months of follow-up monitoring, the coyote was never spotted again and no additional signs of his presence were captured on cameras or audio devices. No remains have been found on the island either. Researchers had a particular interest in locating the animal given Alcatraz’s importance as seabird nesting habitat, and staff had been prepared to capture and relocate him to suitable terrain within Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
We don’t know what happened to the coyote. But he proved himself an expert swimmer to get to Alcatraz, and I hope he made a successful swim back home to Angel Island.” – Bill Merkle
