In Regina parks this month, sightings of coyotes have been on the rise, not just limited to movie theatres. Scott Paton, a regular visitor to Les Sherman Park, encountered a curious coyote in mid-August when it came within close proximity to him and his dogs. Although the coyote did not display aggression, Paton remains cautious, having warned others in the park about its presence. Reports from a woman at the playground indicated that the coyote had been lingering in the area for weeks, although Paton has not seen it recently, spotting only its scat.
While Paton remains unfazed, some residents in the Cathedral neighborhood are less comfortable with the presence of coyotes. Numerous sightings have been reported in Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August, with social media posts detailing encounters where the coyote approached and followed people and their pets. Concerns have been raised about the coyote’s unusual behavior, such as not reacting to attempts to scare it away with loud sounds or gestures.
City Councilor David Froh also had a close encounter with a coyote while running in Les Sherman Park, noting the animal’s comfort around people and pets. Froh emphasized the importance of addressing persistent wildlife sightings to mitigate 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, ensuring safety for both the community and the wildlife.
Froh reassured residents that while coyote sightings can be disconcerting, they are not uncommon in Regina, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of pets and wildlife. He encouraged residents to report sightings of wild animals that pose safety risks to the city authorities. In the theatrical realm, the movie “Coyote vs. Acme,” featuring Will Forte, is currently showing in various theaters in Regina, offering a fictional take on coyotes that starkly contrasts with the real-life encounters in the city’s parks.