Coyote Swims to Alcatraz, Thrives on Island

The coyote has settled in and is now feasting on the island's seabird population.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:31am by Ben Kaplan

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A coyote was recently spotted swimming to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, and after an initial struggle, the animal has now settled in and is thriving on the island. Park officials are monitoring the situation, especially with seabird breeding season underway, and may consider relocating the coyote if it starts impacting the local bird population too significantly.

Why it matters

The presence of a coyote on Alcatraz Island is highly unusual, as the island has not had a documented coyote since it was transferred to the National Park Service in 1972. This marks a significant change in the island's ecosystem, and park officials are closely watching the situation to ensure the coyote's presence does not negatively impact the island's seabird population or other wildlife.

The details

The coyote was first spotted swimming to Alcatraz about two weeks ago, having traveled over 1.25 miles across the cold waters of San Francisco Bay. Wildlife experts were initially concerned about the coyote's ability to survive on the 22-acre island, which was never designed to support an apex predator like a coyote. However, the coyote has since been spotted looking healthy and well-fed, likely due to the abundance of nesting birds and their carcasses on the island's parade grounds.

  • In mid-January, a coyote was filmed swimming to the southern edge of Alcatraz Island.
  • About two weeks after the initial sighting, the coyote has now settled in and is thriving on the island.

The players

Alcatraz City Cruises

A company that operates ferry services to Alcatraz Island.

National Park Service

The government agency that has managed Alcatraz Island since it was transferred to them in 1972.

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What they’re saying

“This marks the first documented coyote presence on Alcatraz since the island was transferred to the National Park Service since 1972.”

— Gia Vang, Reporter (Instagram)

“The coyote has been hanging around the parade grounds, where nesting birds provide an all-you-can-eat buffet. Meaning, there are fewer birds, a lot more bird carcasses around, and one noticeably fatter coyote.”

— Aidan Moore, Alcatraz City Cruises employee (The San Francisco Standard)

What’s next

Park biologists are actively monitoring the coyote and any potential impacts to the seabird breeding colony. The park remains open and visitors can continue to safely visit.

The takeaway

The presence of a coyote on Alcatraz Island is a remarkable and unexpected development, highlighting the adaptability of these animals and the ongoing changes in the Bay Area's ecosystem. While park officials are closely monitoring the situation, this event also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists between wildlife and human-inhabited areas.