A lone coyote named Floyd braved a swim of over a mile across the San Francisco Bay to reach Alcatraz Island, a site renowned for its abandoned prison. Monitored by scientists concerned for the island’s seabird population, Floyd's future remains uncertain as officials debate whether he can stay. Local tour guide Aidan Moore captured footage of the coyote's remarkable journey, shedding light on his life on the Rock.
Since his arrival, Floyd appears to be thriving, adapting his diet to the avian resources available on the island. However, whether he will be allowed to remain hinges on his behavior, especially regarding potential threats to the local bird population. The absence of fresh water poses another challenge, leading experts to suggest Floyd's welfare may involve human assistance.
Floyd's swimming feat marks the first documented coyote presence on Alcatraz since it became a National Park in 1972. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area has been recording his behavior to assess any implications for wildlife, particularly the seabird breeding colony during critical nesting seasons.
As the island remains a popular tourist destination, scientists are concerned that visiting crowds could pose risks to both Floyd and the interested onlookers. Observations reveal the adaptive coyote thriving on Alcatraz, yet experts remain divided on his long-term prospects. Naturalist Janet Kessler hypothesizes that Floyd may have fled human territorial pressures to seek refuge on the island, but its limited size could compel him to leave for new territory in the future.
Project Coyote emphasizes the paramount importance of ensuring Floyd's chance to flourish in this new environment while remaining aware of the delicate balance with Alcatraz's unique wildlife.
Since his arrival, Floyd appears to be thriving, adapting his diet to the avian resources available on the island. However, whether he will be allowed to remain hinges on his behavior, especially regarding potential threats to the local bird population. The absence of fresh water poses another challenge, leading experts to suggest Floyd's welfare may involve human assistance.
Floyd's swimming feat marks the first documented coyote presence on Alcatraz since it became a National Park in 1972. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area has been recording his behavior to assess any implications for wildlife, particularly the seabird breeding colony during critical nesting seasons.
As the island remains a popular tourist destination, scientists are concerned that visiting crowds could pose risks to both Floyd and the interested onlookers. Observations reveal the adaptive coyote thriving on Alcatraz, yet experts remain divided on his long-term prospects. Naturalist Janet Kessler hypothesizes that Floyd may have fled human territorial pressures to seek refuge on the island, but its limited size could compel him to leave for new territory in the future.
Project Coyote emphasizes the paramount importance of ensuring Floyd's chance to flourish in this new environment while remaining aware of the delicate balance with Alcatraz's unique wildlife.
