
Customers at an Aldi store in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood were stunned when a wild coyote was discovered hiding in the refrigerated section. The startling event took place Monday morning and was caught on camera, quickly spreading across social media.
Police and Animal Care and Control responded to reports of the coyote inside the store. Officers cautiously searched the refrigerated aisle using broomsticks, eventually spotting the animal wedged between shelves. One officer grabbed the coyote by its tail and pulled it onto the floor as customers watched in disbelief.
Despite its brief attempt to flee, the coyote was safely secured by Animal Care and Control around 9:45 a.m. Officials confirmed that no one was injured during the incident, and the coyote appeared to be unharmed.
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
The animal was taken to Chicago Animal Care and Control’s facility, where it will be transferred to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation. There, experts will assess its health and determine whether it can be safely returned to the wild.
You like your groceries with a side of coyote? Holla at Aldi’s https://t.co/CJ3958ielC
— Marikesu (@CMaliketh) January 13, 2025
Wildlife experts explained that coyotes are more active during the winter months, especially from January to March, which is their mating season. Stan Gehrt from the Cook County Coyote Project noted that young, solitary coyotes often make mistakes while searching for shelter and may wander into unusual places.
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 advise residents to avoid leaving food or trash outdoors to prevent attracting coyotes and other wildlife into urban neighborhoods.
For shoppers at the Aldi store, what began as a routine trip quickly turned into a shocking and unforgettable experience.