A lone coyote named Floyd has captured the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and biologists alike after making an astonishing swim across the San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. Traveling more than a mile, Floyd is being monitored closely to determine whether his presence will threaten the seabird colony residing on the historic island, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Since his arrival, Floyd has been thriving on Alcatraz, reportedly maintaining a diet primarily consisting of birds. Aidan Moore, a local tour guide who witnessed and recorded Floyd's arrival, stated that his future on the island will depend heavily on his behavior and relationship with the local wildlife.
The coyote epitomizes the challenges faced by wildlife adapting to urban environments, further complicated by the lack of fresh water sources on the island, which may necessitate human intervention for his survival. Video footage shared by tourists shows Floyd exploring his new habitat, although he appeared shivering and gaunt at first, his condition has improved, hinting at successful adaptation to his unique surroundings.
Scientists from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area have reported that this is the first documented coyote presence on Alcatraz since it became a national park in 1972. They are committed to observing Floyd closely to assess his dietary habits and the potential impact on the seabird breeding colony, particularly as nesting season approaches from February to September.
Experts predict that Floyd’s ability to sustain himself will hinge on whether he can capture enough birds to meet his dietary needs and how he interacts with visitors. Some advocates, including Janet Kessler, a naturalist who has studied coyotes extensively, speculate that Floyd might have made the aquatic journey seeking new territory after feeling territorial pressure from other coyotes in the densely populated city.
As tourism continues to thrive on Alcatraz, concerns arise regarding the safety of both Floyd and the visiting public. Project Coyote, an organization focusing on wildlife education and coexistence, urges that with thoughtful management, Floyd could survive on the island despite the challenges posed by limited resources and human presence. Most importantly, the ongoing observation of Floyd will help inform wildlife management practices and decisions regarding his future on Alcatraz.
Since his arrival, Floyd has been thriving on Alcatraz, reportedly maintaining a diet primarily consisting of birds. Aidan Moore, a local tour guide who witnessed and recorded Floyd's arrival, stated that his future on the island will depend heavily on his behavior and relationship with the local wildlife.
The coyote epitomizes the challenges faced by wildlife adapting to urban environments, further complicated by the lack of fresh water sources on the island, which may necessitate human intervention for his survival. Video footage shared by tourists shows Floyd exploring his new habitat, although he appeared shivering and gaunt at first, his condition has improved, hinting at successful adaptation to his unique surroundings.
Scientists from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area have reported that this is the first documented coyote presence on Alcatraz since it became a national park in 1972. They are committed to observing Floyd closely to assess his dietary habits and the potential impact on the seabird breeding colony, particularly as nesting season approaches from February to September.
Experts predict that Floyd’s ability to sustain himself will hinge on whether he can capture enough birds to meet his dietary needs and how he interacts with visitors. Some advocates, including Janet Kessler, a naturalist who has studied coyotes extensively, speculate that Floyd might have made the aquatic journey seeking new territory after feeling territorial pressure from other coyotes in the densely populated city.
As tourism continues to thrive on Alcatraz, concerns arise regarding the safety of both Floyd and the visiting public. Project Coyote, an organization focusing on wildlife education and coexistence, urges that with thoughtful management, Floyd could survive on the island despite the challenges posed by limited resources and human presence. Most importantly, the ongoing observation of Floyd will help inform wildlife management practices and decisions regarding his future on Alcatraz.
