In Regina parks this month, residents have been sighting coyotes beyond the movie theater. Scott Paton, a regular visitor to Les Sherman Park, encountered a coyote in mid-August while walking his dogs. The coyote, not displaying aggression but rather curiosity or a search for food, came within close proximity to Paton and his pets.
Paton continued his walk, alerting others in the park about the coyote’s presence. According to a park visitor, the coyote had been seen in the area for several weeks. Although Paton has not spotted the coyote again, he has noticed its droppings in the vicinity. Paton expressed no concern about the animal’s presence, citing the common occurrence of coyotes in urban settings as part of their natural habitat.
However, not all residents in the Cathedral neighborhood share Paton’s comfort level with coyotes. Reports on Facebook indicate numerous sightings of coyotes in Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August. Several posts describe instances of coyotes approaching and following people and their pets, with one person recounting being chased and circled by a coyote in Les Sherman Park.
Regina city Coun. David Froh had his own encounter with a coyote during a morning run in Les Sherman Park. Noting the animal’s comfort around people and their pets, Froh emphasized the need for city staff to respond promptly to persistent wildlife sightings that pose public safety risks. 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.
Froh assured that the removal process of coyotes prioritizes community and animal safety, involving tranquilization rather than firearm use within city limits. While acknowledging the concern that coyote sightings may evoke, Froh emphasized that such encounters are not uncommon in Regina, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of pets and wildlife coexisting in the city.
In the entertainment realm, the movie “Coyote vs. Acme,” featuring Will Forte, is currently showing in various theaters in Regina. Froh urged residents to report sightings of real-life coyotes and other potentially hazardous wild animals to the City of Regina for appropriate action.