Watch: Wild coyote forcefully pulled out of fridge at Chicago supermarket, shocking video surfaces

UPDATED: Jan 15, 2025 00:27 IST

Shoppers at an Aldi supermarket in Chicago were in for a big shock on Monday when a wild coyote was found hiding in the store's refrigerated section, the New York Post reported.

The dramatic moment was caught on video, showing officers using broomsticks to search the shelves before pulling the animal out by its tail.

The bizarre event took place at the Aldi store in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, with the coyote seen hiding behind cold products in the refrigerated section.

According to the report, Chicago Police arrived at 9:42 a.m. and worked to corner the animal before one officer successfully grabbed the coyote by its tail, pulling it into view. The coyote, after briefly emerging, quickly darted back into the fridge, but was eventually captured by animal control.

The coyote appeared unharmed and was transferred to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation for assessment. A spokesperson for Chicago Animal Care and Control confirmed the coyote would be checked for any injuries before being released into the wild, if deemed healthy.

A witness reported seeing the coyote wandering around the store's parking lot before it made its way inside. Stan Gehrt, from the Cook County Coyote Project, explained that coyotes often seek shelter in places where they feel safe from humans. "They’re trying to avoid us. They’re trying to hide from us," Gehrt said.

The viral video showed the officers using broomsticks to poke around the shelves, as they attempted to locate the animal. After the coyote was pulled out, it quickly scurried back between the cold products, but was eventually caught and taken into custody by animal control.

This isn’t the first time coyotes have been spotted in Chicago food establishments. In 2007, a coyote wandered into a Quiznos sub shop, and in 2020, one bit a child in Lincoln Park. With over 1,000 coyote complaints in 2023, sightings have become increasingly common.

Experts warn that coyotes are more active during the winter months, particularly in the breeding season from January through March, the report said. "Right now, they're very active in setting up territories and defending them," Chris Anchor from the Forest Preserve District of Cook County was quoted as saying. Authorities urge Chicago residents to keep pets leashed and avoid leaving food sources accessible to coyotes.

The coyote found at the Aldi was captured safely, and no injuries were reported. The animal will be evaluated and released back into the wild if deemed fit.