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, according to Moore.
On Saturday, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) confirmed that the animal is believed to be the same coyote seen swimming to the island nearly two weeks earlier. This coyote is the first documented coyote presence on Alcatraz since the island was transferred to the National Park Service in 1972.
The coyote's presence does not affect public access to the island, which remains open to visitors. Alcatraz is home to the shuttered federal penitentiary that housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the US.
Coyotes are not uncommon in the San Francisco Bay area, but Floyd's unique journey has sparked interest. Experts are monitoring his behavior, especially regarding local seabird populations.
This is new to everybody. We're all going to be watching and seeing what this coyote does, says Janet Kessler, a self-taught naturalist documenting coyote behavior in San Francisco. I would assume, at some point, if he wants to go back, he'll swim.
