Coyote's Epic Swim To Alcatraz Island Started Much Farther Away Than San Francisco, National Park Service Says

CBS Bay Area

May 6, 2026

A coyote that gained international attention after it was spotted swimming in frigid San Francisco Bay and arriving at Alcatraz Island earlier this year began its epic swim farther away than initially assumed, according to the National Park Service.

The intrepid coyote was spotted in January; a viral video showed it struggling to get its footing and shivering as it crawled out of the water onto the rocky shore of the former federal penitentiary. On Sunday, the NPS said in a press release that researchers determined the coyote likely started its journey from Angel Island State Park, and not from San Francisco. Alcatraz in about 1.25 miles away from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, and approximately 2 miles from Angel Island.

A coyote is seen climbing on rocks at Alcatraz Island after swimming in San Francisco Bay, January 24, 2026/Courtesy Janet Kessler for CBS News

"We are surprised by the coyote's origin," said park service wildlife ecologist Bill Merkle in a prepared statement. "Our working assumption was that the coyote made the swim from San Francisco because it is a significantly shorter distance. We couldn't help being impressed by his accomplishment in making it to Alcatraz. Coyotes are known to be resilient and adaptable, and he certainly demonstrated those qualities."

Click here for the full story via CBS San Francisco

CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.