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News January 16,2025 | Independence Journal Editorial Team

Wild Coyote Startles Shoppers After Hiding In Chicago Aldi

Shoppers at an Aldi in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood were in for a shock Monday morning when a wild coyote was discovered hiding in the store’s refrigerated section. The unexpected visitor caused a stir as officers and animal control worked to safely remove the animal, with the bizarre scene captured in a viral social media video.

Witnesses reported seeing the coyote wandering the store’s parking lot before it managed to sneak inside. The animal eventually took refuge among the store’s cold products, hiding beneath shelves near the cheese display. Police officers used broomsticks to probe the area, eventually pulling the startled animal out by its tail.

Despite its frantic attempt to escape, the coyote was later safely captured by Animal Care and Control around 9:45 a.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among customers, store employees or responding officers.

Animal control officials confirmed that the coyote was unharmed and is now being held at their facility. The animal will be transferred to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, where specialists will assess its health before deciding if it can be safely released back into the wild.

 

Experts say coyote sightings tend to increase between January and March, which is their mating season. Stan Gehrt of the Cook County Coyote Project explained that the animal was likely a young, transient coyote searching for a place to hide. “They’re trying to avoid people, but sometimes they make mistakes like this,” Gehrt said.

 

While coyotes are generally not dangerous to humans, authorities advise residents to avoid leaving food outside to prevent attracting wildlife into urban areas.

Shoppers who witnessed the unusual incident will undoubtedly remember their grocery trip for years to come.

 

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