Aside from movie theaters, coyotes have been seen roaming around Regina parks this month. Scott Paton, a regular at Les Sherman Park, encountered a coyote in mid-August while walking his dogs.
Describing the encounter, Paton mentioned the coyote came within about 10 feet, displaying more curiosity than aggression, possibly searching for food. He continued his walk, alerting other park visitors along the way. A woman at the playground informed him that a coyote had been around for weeks.
Although Paton hasn’t seen the coyote since, he has spotted its droppings in the area. Despite this, he remains unconcerned, stating that coyotes are a common part of the city’s habitat and will naturally move on.
However, not all residents in the Cathedral neighborhood share Paton’s comfort level with the presence of coyotes. Numerous reports have surfaced on social media since August detailing sightings of coyotes in and around Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park.
Several accounts narrate instances of coyotes approaching and following people and their pets. Some individuals mentioned being chased or circled by the coyote, with the animal showing little reaction to attempts to scare it off.
Recently, Regina city Coun. David Froh encountered a coyote during a morning run in Les Sherman Park. He observed the animal’s comfort around people and pets, emphasizing that persistent wildlife sightings pose a public safety risk, necessitating a response from city officials.
The City of Regina confirmed receiving reports of two coyotes in the area and is collaborating with provincial conservation officers to safely remove and relocate the animals.
Addressing concerns about the safety of the community and the coyotes, Froh explained that the removal process involves tranquilizing the animals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety for both residents and wildlife.
Froh reassured residents that while coyote sightings can be alarming, they are not uncommon in Regina, emphasizing the shared existence of humans and wildlife in the city. He urged the public to report sightings of potentially hazardous wild animals to the City of Regina.
The film “Coyote vs. Acme,” featuring Will Forte, is currently being screened in various theaters across Regina. Froh encouraged residents to report any real-life coyote sightings or encounters that may pose safety risks to the city.