This month, besides movie theaters, coyotes have been sighted in Regina parks. Scott Paton, who frequents Les Sherman Park with his dogs, encountered a curious coyote in mid-August, coming within 10 feet of them. While not showing aggression, the coyote may have been searching for food, according to Paton.
Paton continued walking, warning others in the park about the coyote. An individual at the playground informed him that the same coyote had been around for weeks. Although Paton hasn’t seen the coyote again, he has noticed its scat in the area. He expressed no concern about the animal, stating that coyotes are part of the city’s habitat and will naturally move on.
However, not everyone in the Cathedral neighborhood is comfortable with coyote sightings. Residents have reported numerous encounters with a coyote in and around Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August, with posts on Facebook describing instances of the coyote approaching and following people and pets.
One woman reported being chased by a coyote in Les Sherman Park, where it circled her and her dog for an extended period. Other Facebook users commented that the coyote appeared at ease around people and was unresponsive to attempts to scare it away with loud noises or gestures.
Regina city Coun. David Froh also had a close encounter with a coyote while running in Les Sherman Park. He highlighted the need for a response when persistent wildlife sightings pose public safety risks, emphasizing the importance of city staff addressing such situations.
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 explained that the removal process is conducted safely for both the community and the animal, involving tranquilization rather than firearms discharge within the city limits. He acknowledged that while coyote sightings can be concerning, they are not uncommon and urged residents to prioritize the safety of pets and wildlife.
Despite the current movie “Coyote vs. Acme” being screened in multiple Regina theaters, Froh encouraged people to report sightings of real-life coyotes and other wildlife posing safety risks to the City of Regina.
