In a remarkable twist of fate, a live television broadcast covering the safe capture of a young mountain lion in San Francisco was unexpectedly upstaged by another wild resident of the city. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, ABC7 News reporter Frances Wang was delivering a live report from the Pacific Heights neighbourhood when a coyote casually strolled into the background of the shot, creating a moment of visual irony that quickly captivated viewers online.
An Unplanned Guest Steals the Show
The incident occurred as Wang was reporting on the tranquilisation and capture of a two-year-old, 77-pound male mountain lion that had been spotted roaming the streets of San Francisco. The big cat was first seen late on Monday, with further sightings reported early Tuesday around Lafayette Park. San Francisco Animal Care and Control officers eventually located the animal wedged between buildings on California Street, between Laguna and Octavia.
Authorities closed nearby streets and used several tranquiliser darts to sedate and secure the cougar, which officials confirmed would be released back into the wild. Wildlife experts believe the young male likely entered the city while searching for new territory, a common behaviour among dispersing juveniles, possibly travelling from the southern hills along the Pacific coast.
"Your Eyes Do Not Deceive You"
As Wang continued her report, the coyote entered the frame unnoticed, prompting the station to post on X: "Your eyes do not deceive you. That’s a coyote strolling on by during ABC7’s Frances Wang live shot. Ironically, she was reporting on the capture of a 2-year-old mountain lion who was seen roaming around San Francisco streets."
Wang herself commented on the surreal encounter on social media, writing: "This is why I love live TV. You just never know what you’ll get sometimes!" The video of the moment quickly gained attention, highlighting the juxtaposition of one wild predator being removed while another freely roamed the urban landscape.
San Francisco's Long-Standing Coexistence with Wildlife
Both the coyote and mountain lion incidents serve as vivid examples of San Francisco's enduring relationship with wildlife. While mountain lion sightings within the city limits are relatively rare, they do occur occasionally. In contrast, coyotes are a more common sight, frequently observed in the city's numerous parks and green spaces.
This particular coyote might have been eager for its moment in the spotlight, perhaps feeling envious of a relative that recently made headlines in the Bay Area. Earlier in the month, another coyote stunned observers by swimming to Alcatraz, braving the treacherous waters surrounding the notorious former prison island. That animal is thought to be the first ever to reach Alcatraz in such a manner, likely originating from San Francisco or nearby islands where coyotes have been spotted.
A Broader Context of Urban Wildlife Encounters
The tranquilisation of the mountain lion was overseen by Dr. Adrian Mutlow, the chief veterinarian at the San Francisco Zoo, who examined the sedated animal. This professional intervention underscores the careful management required when wild animals venture into urban environments.
These episodes collectively illustrate the delicate balance between urban development and natural habitats in cities like San Francisco. They remind residents and viewers alike that even in densely populated areas, wildlife continues to adapt and persist, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
The seamless blend of live broadcasting, spontaneous wildlife appearances, and coordinated animal control efforts paints a compelling picture of modern city life intersecting with the natural world. It's a testament to the unpredictable and often humorous dynamics that can unfold when humans and animals share the same urban space.
