Residents in Regina are encountering coyotes not only at the movie theater but also in local parks. Scott Paton, a frequent visitor to Les Sherman Park, came across a coyote in mid-August while walking his dogs. Paton described the coyote as more curious than aggressive, possibly searching for food. Following the encounter, he alerted others in the park, where a woman mentioned the coyote had been present for weeks.
Although Paton hasn’t seen the coyote since, he has noticed its scat in the area. Despite this, he expressed no concern, stating that coyotes are a common part of the city’s habitat and will naturally move on.
However, not all residents share Paton’s comfort with coyotes in the Cathedral neighborhood. Numerous reports on social media have detailed sightings of a coyote in Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August. Witnesses described the coyote approaching and following people and their pets, with one person recounting being chased and circled by the animal.
Regina city Coun. David Froh also had a close encounter with a coyote during a morning run in Les Sherman Park. Froh emphasized the need for city staff to address persistent wildlife sightings that pose public safety risks. The City of Regina confirmed reports of two coyotes in the neighborhood and is collaborating with provincial conservation officers to safely relocate the animals.
Froh stressed that removing a coyote is done with community and animal safety in mind, typically involving tranquilizing the animal. He acknowledged that while coyote sightings can be unsettling, they are not uncommon and underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of both pets and wildlife.
As the film “Coyote vs. Acme” featuring Will Forte screens in Regina theaters, Froh urged residents to report sightings of real-life coyotes and other potentially dangerous wild animals to city authorities.
