Aside from the movie theatre, coyotes have been sighted in 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 coming within 10 feet of them without displaying aggression, possibly just being curious or seeking food. He continued his walk, alerting others in the park. A woman at the playground informed him of the coyote’s presence for weeks.
Although Paton hasn’t seen the coyote again, he mentioned finding its droppings in the area but expressed no concern, stating that coyotes are a common part of the city’s habitat.
However, not everyone in the Cathedral neighborhood feels at ease with coyote sightings. Numerous reports have emerged on Facebook of sightings in and around Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August.
Residents have described instances of coyotes approaching and following people and their pets. One woman shared her experience of being chased by a coyote in Les Sherman Park, where it circled her and her dog for an extended period.
Reports indicate that the coyote appeared comfortable around humans and unresponsive to attempts to scare it off with loud noises or gestures.
City Councillor David Froh had a close encounter with a coyote during a morning run in Les Sherman. He highlighted the need for city staff to respond promptly to persistent wildlife sightings that pose public safety risks.
The City of Regina acknowledged reports of two coyotes in the neighborhood and is collaborating with provincial conservation officers to safely remove and relocate the animals.
Froh emphasized the safe removal of coyotes through tranquilization without the use of firearms within the city limits. He reassured the public that while coyote sightings can be concerning, they are not uncommon and underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of pets and wildlife.
Despite the movie Coyote vs. Acme being currently screened in various Regina theaters, Froh urged residents to report real-life coyote sightings and other potentially hazardous wild animals to the City of Regina for appropriate action.