Residents of Regina have been encountering coyotes in various parks around the city, not just at the movie theater. Scott Paton, who frequents Les Sherman Park with his dogs, came across a curious coyote in mid-August. Despite the close encounter, he remained calm and continued walking, alerting others in the park about the presence of the animal.
Reports of coyote sightings have been flooding social media platforms, particularly in Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August. Numerous posts detail instances of coyotes following people and their pets. Some residents expressed discomfort with the coyotes, citing incidents where the animals approached them without fear of loud noises or attempts to scare them away.
Even city council members have had encounters with these urban coyotes. Coun. David Froh shared his experience of spotting a coyote during a morning run in Les Sherman Park. He emphasized the importance of addressing persistent wildlife sightings as they pose potential safety risks to the public.
The City of Regina has acknowledged the reports of coyote sightings and is collaborating with provincial conservation officers to safely remove and relocate the animals. Froh reassured residents that the removal process is conducted with the safety of both the community and the coyotes in mind, using tranquilization methods rather than firearms.
While the sightings may be concerning, Froh emphasized that encounters with wildlife are not uncommon in Regina and urged residents to prioritize the safety of both pets and wildlife. He encouraged the public to report any sightings of coyotes or other wild animals that may pose a threat to the city.
In the midst of these real-life encounters, the movie “Coyote vs. Acme,” featuring Will Forte, is currently screening in various theaters across Regina.