
A wild coyote caused panic among customers at a Chicago Aldi when it was found hiding in the store’s refrigerated section Monday morning. The surprising moment was caught on camera and has since spread widely on social media.
The coyote had been spotted earlier roaming the parking lot of the Aldi store located in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Somehow, the animal managed to enter the store and burrowed itself in a cooler under shelves of cheese products. Shoppers watched in disbelief as police and animal control officers carefully searched for the animal using broomsticks.
Eventually, one officer managed to grab the coyote by its tail and pull it out from the shelves. The startled animal briefly tried to run but was soon captured by Animal Care and Control without harm. Authorities confirmed the coyote was secured around 9:45 a.m.
Chicago, you’ve heard about coyote in a Quiznos — get ready for coyote in an Aldi. This fella was found hiding in the grocery store’s refrigerated section and rescued safely. He is waiting to be transferred to a rehab center for a full exam. Gift link:https://t.co/PftEXej3OM https://t.co/Hu9i5lk798 pic.twitter.com/iTZhFBRQti
— adrianaperez.bsky.social (@adrianamperezr) January 13, 2025
Chicago Animal Care and Control stated the coyote appeared unharmed and was transported to their facility. Plans are underway to transfer the animal to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, where experts will evaluate its condition before returning it to the wild if appropriate.
You like your groceries with a side of coyote? Holla at Aldi’s https://t.co/CJ3958ielC
— Marikesu (@CMaliketh) January 13, 2025
According to wildlife experts, increased coyote sightings during this time of year are common. Stan Gehrt with the Cook County Coyote Project explained that coyotes are more active during their mating season, which typically runs from January to March. He added that younger, solitary coyotes often end up in strange places while searching for safe shelter.
Only in Chicago does a Coyote hide out in an @AldiUSA fresh food section next to a lagoon where an Alligator evaded capture for several months. 🤣
— agentmetro (@theagentmetro) January 14, 2025
Authorities remind the public that coyotes are usually not a threat to humans but urge residents to secure food and trash to avoid attracting wildlife.
The incident left Aldi shoppers with an unforgettable story, turning a routine grocery run into a viral moment.