In addition to the movie theatre, coyotes have been spotted roaming around Regina parks this month. Scott Paton, a regular visitor to Les Sherman Park, had his first encounter with a coyote in mid-August.
Patton described the coyote as being non-aggressive, more curious or possibly searching for food. Following the incident, he continued to walk his dogs, alerting other park visitors along the way. A woman at the playground informed him that a coyote had been seen in the area for several weeks.
Although he has not seen the coyote since, Paton mentioned finding scat in the vicinity. Despite this, he expressed no concerns about the animal’s presence.
According to Paton, coyotes are a common sight in the city and their presence is part of the local habitat. However, not everyone shares his comfort level with coyotes in the Cathedral neighborhood.
Residents in the area have taken to Facebook to share numerous sightings of a coyote in and around Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August.
Several posts describe encounters where the coyote approached and followed people and their pets. One individual reported being chased by a coyote in Les Sherman Park, with the animal circling them for an extended period.
Additional Facebook users noted that the coyote appeared comfortable around humans 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 out for a morning run in Les Sherman Park. He mentioned that it was the first time he had heard about the presence of a coyote in his ward and observed that it was unafraid to approach people and their pets.
Froh emphasized that while wildlife sightings are common and often do not require immediate action, persistent sightings pose a public safety risk, necessitating a response from city officials. The City of Regina announced that they have received reports of two coyotes in the neighborhood and are collaborating with provincial conservation officers to safely remove and relocate the animals.
Froh explained that the safe removal of a coyote is essential for both the community and the animal itself. Tranquilization is the preferred method, as discharging firearms within the city limits is prohibited. However, dealing with a wild animal can be time-consuming, whether it involves tranquilization or trapping.
While acknowledging that coyote sightings can be unsettling, Froh stressed that such encounters are not uncommon. He underscored the importance of prioritizing the safety of pets and wildlife in Regina.
Despite the current screening of the movie Coyote vs. Acme featuring Will Forte in various Regina theaters, Froh urged residents to report sightings of real-life coyotes and other potentially hazardous wildlife to the City of Regina.