Residents of Regina have been noticing coyotes not just in the movie theatres but also in the city parks. Scott Paton, a regular visitor to Les Sherman Park, came face to face with a coyote in the middle of August. Paton described the encounter as non-aggressive, with the coyote appearing more curious than threatening.
Following the incident, Paton continued his walk, alerting other park visitors about the coyote’s presence. According to him, a woman at the playground mentioned seeing the coyote hanging around for several weeks. Although Paton has not encountered the coyote again, he has noticed its scat in the area. Despite this, he remains unperturbed, stating that coyotes are a part of the urban habitat and will naturally move on.
However, not all residents share Paton’s calm demeanor, particularly in the Cathedral neighborhood. Reports have flooded social media about sightings of a coyote in Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August. Posts detail instances of the coyote approaching people and their pets, with some individuals recounting being chased by the animal.
Regina city Coun. David Froh had a firsthand encounter with a coyote during a morning run in Les Sherman Park, where he observed the animal’s comfort level around humans and pets. Froh emphasized that while wildlife sightings are common, persistent sightings pose a public safety risk, necessitating prompt action from city authorities.
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. Froh explained that the removal process involves tranquilizing the coyotes to ensure community safety without resorting to firearms discharge.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by residents, Froh emphasized the importance of coexisting with wildlife in Regina while prioritizing the safety of both pets and animals. He urged the public to report any sightings of potentially dangerous wildlife to the city authorities promptly.