A coyote that gained national attention for swimming to Alcatraz Island in California actually swam twice as far as originally thought to the infamous landmark, surprising researchers tracking the wild animal.
The male coyote's sudden appearance in January at the site of the former federal prison in San Francisco Bay stunned scientists and tourists, marking the first time a coyote has been spotted there since 1972.
Experts previously believed it swam from San Francisco, just over a mile away. But new DNA evidence now points to Angel Island, two miles from Alcatraz, the National Park Service said on Monday.
Researchers discover where coyote who made epic swim to Alcatraz really came from
BBC News – Max Matza – 6th May 2026
That is a truly inspirational coyote.