Coyote Disrupts Live TV Coverage of Cougar Capture in San Francisco

A recent live broadcast in San Francisco took an unusual twist when a coyote made a surprise appearance during coverage of a mountain lion capture. This incident unfolded in the Pacific Heights neighborhood on a Tuesday, as ABC7 News reporter Frances Wang reported on the tranquilization of a young mountain lion.

Coyote Makes an Unexpected Cameo

As Frances Wang delivered her report, a coyote casually strolled through the background, unnoticed at first. This moment represented a striking contrast, as a wild predator was being captured while another roamed freely in the urban setting.

• The coyote’s appearance coincided with live coverage of the mountain lion capture.
• Wang commented on the encounter, sharing her excitement on social media.

Mountain Lion Capture Details

The two-year-old mountain lion, a male weighing 77 pounds, was first spotted late Monday. Additional sightings were documented early Tuesday around Lafayette Park. San Francisco animal control officers managed to locate the cougar wedged between buildings on California Street.

Authorities closed off surrounding streets to safely use tranquilizer darts to sedate and secure the animal. Officials indicated that the lion would eventually be released back into the wild.

Background on the Wildlife in San Francisco

Wildlife experts believe the young mountain lion may have entered San Francisco while searching for new territory. This behavior is typical among juvenile animals looking for a new habitat. The lion likely traveled from the southern hills along the Pacific coast.

While sightings of mountain lions are infrequent in the city, they do occur. In contrast, coyotes are often seen in various parks and green spaces throughout San Francisco.

Recent Coyote News

This particular coyote brought to mind another remarkable event earlier this month. A different coyote made headlines by swimming to Alcatraz Island, approximately 1.25 miles from San Francisco. This daring journey marked the first documented instance of a coyote reaching Alcatraz in such a manner.

The coyote’s motivations for this swim remain unclear, but it is believed to have originated from San Francisco or nearby islands where coyotes have also been sighted.

The lively interactions between urban wildlife and residents underscore San Francisco’s unique coexistence with nature.