Can coyotes swim? A new viral video has many asking the question after the wild canine was spotted swimming across the San Francisco Bay.
Here’s the clip:
According to the poster, the coyote was swimming between Angel Island and Tiburon, which sits north of the city of San Francisco.
The video comes from Angel Island State Park, a park in California known for its natural feel with trails and historic sites, along with great views across the Bay to the San Francisco skyline.
In the comments, Golden Gate National Recreation Area replied, saying, “They had to get to the island somehow!”
The comment simply outlines the obvious fact that animals swim just like people. However, they do have their limits. The National Park Service also mentions that there is no record of coyotes swimming to Alcatraz, the infamous former prison in the area. That island sits more than a mile from any other piece of land, making it a difficult swim for anyone.
Seeing a coyote in the area isn’t rare. However, most people don’t catch a glimpse of them in the water.
So, can coyotes swim?
At least according to the video, yes, and according to government officials who posted and commented. But why is this one taking a dive?
According to the State University of New York College’s Environmental and Science and Forestry program, the animal is a pretty good swimmer. Most are easily capable of swimming at least half of a mile.
Coyotes will swim for a number of reasons. One is to catch prey. In instances like the Bay Area, which is known for islands, peninsulas, and archipelagos, the animal could simply be traveling to a new area in search of food.
The other advantage coyotes have, compared to people in Northern California who usually don’t go for a swim without a wetsuit, is that their tufted fur helps keep them warm.