Shoppers at an Aldi grocery store in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood experienced an unexpected wildlife encounter on Monday morning when a coyote was discovered in the refrigerated section.

The incident, which unfolded like a scene from a cartoon, was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media.

The coyote, a gray wild canine, was first spotted wandering around the store’s parking lot before sneaking inside, according to witnesses.

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Authorities were called to the scene to remove the animal, which had found its way into the refrigerated shelves.

Video footage shows officers using broomsticks to poke around in an attempt to locate the coyote.

One officer eventually grabbed what appeared to be the animal’s tail and pulled it out.

The coyote emerged from the shelves and landed on the store floor before scurrying back into the cold section.

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The Chicago Animal Care and Control team arrived shortly after and successfully captured the animal around 10 a.m.

Chicago Animal Care and Control confirmed that the coyote was uninjured during the ordeal.

Wild Coyote Caught in Grocery Store Produce Section, Rescued by Chicago Police…

Shoppers at an Aldi grocery store in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood experienced an unexpected wildlife encounter on Monday morning when a coyote was discovered in the refrigerated section.… pic.twitter.com/H0Laks7kZb

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 14, 2025

“The animal is currently at our facility awaiting transfer to our wildlife rehabilitation partner, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation,” the agency told NBC Chicago.

Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation will conduct a thorough health assessment of the animal before deciding whether it is fit to be released back into the wild.

Stan Gehrt, a wildlife expert with the Cook County Coyote Project, explained to ABC 7 Chicago that such incidents, while rare, are not entirely unexpected.

“It picked an odd location. They do this sometimes. They make a mistake. They’re trying to avoid us. They’re trying to hide from us,” Gehrt said.

Coyotes are known to adapt to urban environments, and sightings in Chicago have become more common in recent years.

The animals often seek shelter in unexpected places when navigating city areas.

The Aldi’s on Kedzie in Humboldt Park

I was prepared to see him pull out a opossum or a raccoon. Did NOT expect that pic.twitter.com/4CbaWkjhwy

— Eddie (@EddieBarstool) January 13, 2025

The video of the coyote being pulled from the refrigerated shelves has garnered widespread attention online, with viewers expressing shock and amusement at the unusual sight.

The incident highlights the increasing interaction between urban wildlife and humans as animals venture into populated areas.

For now, the coyote is in safe hands, and authorities are ensuring its well-being as it awaits a return to its natural habitat.