Residents of Regina have been encountering coyotes not just at the movie theatre but also in local parks this month. Scott Paton, a regular visitor to Les Sherman Park, came across a coyote in mid-August while walking his dogs. Describing the encounter as non-threatening, Paton mentioned the coyote’s curiosity and possible search for food. He alerted other park-goers about the presence of the animal, with one woman mentioning that the coyote had been seen in the area for weeks.

Although Paton has not seen the coyote since, he has noticed its droppings in the vicinity. Despite this, he remains unconcerned, stating that coyotes are a common part of the urban habitat and will eventually move on. However, not all residents share his ease with the situation, particularly those in the Cathedral neighborhood.

Multiple reports on social media have detailed sightings of coyotes in and around Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August. Witnesses have described instances where coyotes approached and even followed people and their pets. Some accounts mentioned the coyotes’ comfort around humans and their indifference to attempts to scare them off with loud noises or gestures.

City Councilor David Froh had a recent encounter with a coyote during his morning run in Les Sherman Park, noting the animal’s familiarity with people and pets. Following these persistent sightings, the City of Regina has received reports of two coyotes in the area and is collaborating with provincial conservation officers to safely remove and relocate the animals.

Froh emphasized that while coyote sightings can be alarming, they are not uncommon in Regina and stressed the importance of safety for both pets and wildlife. He urged residents to report any sightings of coyotes or other potentially dangerous wild animals to the city authorities. Meanwhile, the movie “Coyote vs. Acme” featuring Will Forte is currently showing in multiple theatres in Regina, offering a fictional take on the interaction between coyotes and humans.