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, says Moore.
On Saturday, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) observed and photographed the coyote, confirming it was the same coyote seen swimming ashore on 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.
Park biologists and staff are actively monitoring the coyote to better understand how it is surviving on the 22-acre (89,030m) island and to assess any potential impacts to the seabird breeding colony.
The coyote's presence does not affect public access to the island, which remains open to visitors.
Alcatraz island, nicknamed the Rock, is home to the shuttered federal penitentiary that housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the US.
Coyotes are native to North America and are not uncommon in the San Francisco Bay. Nearby Angel Island has at least 16 coyotes that are thriving due to fresh water and bigger prey.
However, on Alcatraz, Floyd must catch enough birds to sustain himself. Local naturalists believe he may be staying hydrated from rain puddles and water from the garden.
This situation provides a new perspective on wildlife adaptation and the challenges faced by animals venturing into changed habitats. Experts are hopeful for Floyd's future, advocating for a balance between natural behavior and human interference.
