
Chaos erupted at a Chicago Aldi when shoppers witnessed a wild coyote being dragged from the store’s refrigerated section. The unexpected encounter occurred Monday morning at the Aldi in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, shocking customers and quickly going viral online.
According to witnesses, the coyote had been seen wandering the store’s parking lot before it sneaked inside and hid beneath shelves stocked with cold products. Police officers, responding to the scene, carefully searched the store using broomsticks to locate the animal. One officer eventually grabbed the coyote by its tail and pulled it onto the store floor.
Despite the commotion, the coyote was not harmed and was safely captured by Animal Care and Control around 9:45 a.m. No injuries were reported among customers, store employees or officers.
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 is now in the care of Chicago Animal Control and will be transferred to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation. Wildlife experts will examine the coyote to ensure it is healthy before releasing it back into the wild.
You like your groceries with a side of coyote? Holla at Aldi’s https://t.co/CJ3958ielC
— Marikesu (@CMaliketh) January 13, 2025
Experts say coyotes are more active from January through March due to their mating season. Stan Gehrt of the Cook County Coyote Project explained that this coyote was likely a transient animal without a mate, seeking shelter in an unfamiliar environment. “They try to avoid people, but sometimes they end up in the wrong place,” Gehrt said.
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
While coyotes typically avoid humans, authorities recommend keeping food and garbage secure to prevent attracting wildlife into residential or urban areas.
This unexpected incident turned a typical shopping trip into a memorable event for Aldi customers, leaving many in disbelief.