Coyote Pulled From Aldi Refrigerated Aisle Shocks Chicago Shoppers

Shoppers at an Aldi grocery store in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood were stunned Monday morning when a wild cayote was pulled from the store’s refrigerated section. The chaotic moment, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media.

According to reports, Chicago police and Animal Care and Control officers responded to the store after witnesses spotted the animal roaming the parking lot. Using broomsticks to search the shelves, officers eventually grabbed the coyote by its tail and dragged it out from the shelves behind cold food products. The animal quickly darted back into hiding but was safely captured by animal control around 9:45 a.m.

Chicago Animal Care and Control confirmed that the coyote was uninjured and is now at their facility awaiting transfer to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation. The wildlife group will evaluate the animal’s health before deciding if it can be safely returned to the wild.

Stan Gehrt with the Cook County Coyote Project explained that coyotes often make mistakes when seeking shelter. “They’re trying to avoid people and find new places to hide,” Gehrt said. He noted that it’s not uncommon for transient coyotes — those without a mate — to wander into unusual places, especially during mating season from January to March.

Authorities emphasized that coyotes typically pose little threat to humans. However, they advised residents to avoid leaving food outside, which could attract wildlife into urban areas.

This unexpected encounter left shoppers shocked but unharmed, turning an ordinary grocery trip into a moment they won’t soon forget.