Residents in Regina have been encountering coyotes in local parks, with reports of sightings increasing since August. Scott Paton, who frequents Les Sherman Park with his dogs, had a close encounter with a coyote in mid-August. Despite the coyote’s proximity, Paton described its behavior as more curious than aggressive, possibly searching for food. He informed others in the park about the coyote’s presence, noting that a woman mentioned the animal had been around for weeks.
Although Paton hasn’t seen the coyote since, signs of its presence, such as scat, have been observed in the area. Paton remains unworried, stating that coyotes are a common part of the city’s habitat and will naturally move on.
In contrast, residents in the Cathedral neighborhood have expressed discomfort with coyote sightings in Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park. Numerous social media posts detail encounters where the coyote approached people and pets, with some incidents of chasing reported. Witness accounts indicate that the coyote appeared comfortable around humans and unresponsive to attempts to scare it away.
City Councilor David Froh also had a firsthand experience with a coyote during his morning run in Les Sherman Park. Froh emphasized the importance of addressing persistent wildlife sightings as a public safety concern, prompting the City of Regina to collaborate with conservation officers to relocate the coyote.
Froh reassured the public that the removal process prioritizes community and animal safety, involving tranquilization instead of firearms. He acknowledged that while coyote sightings can be alarming, they are not uncommon, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of both pets and wildlife.
As the city takes action to address the coyote issue, Froh urged residents to report sightings of wild animals posing safety risks. In the entertainment realm, the movie “Coyote vs. Acme,” featuring Will Forte, is currently showing in various Regina theaters.
