A Coyote Walks Into a Grocery Store...

Shoppers at an Aldi^® grocery store in Chicago got more than they bargained for when a wild coyote decided to take a leisurely stroll through the aisles. Forget coupons — this unexpected visitor brought a whole new level of excitement to grocery shopping.

Aisle 4 or the Wild West?

It started as a regular day at an Aldi store on Chicago's Northwest Side in January 2025, but things took an unexpected turn when shoppers noticed a wild coyote roaming the aisles. The wild animal was spotted near the produce section, appearing calm but clearly out of place. While it's unclear how the coyote got inside, its unexpected presence startled and intrigued shoppers, turning a routine trip to the grocery store into something worth talking about.

Sliding Doors and Opportunity

How does a coyote end up inside a grocery store? Simple: sliding doors don't discriminate. Experts suggested the animal might have been searching for food or shelter, a common occurrence in urban areas. Coyotes, known for their adaptability, often find themselves in strange places as they navigate city life. Still, Aldi probably wasn't on this one's usual route.

Quick Thinking Saves the Day

Store employees acted fast, calmly clearing the area and contacting animal control. Shoppers kept their distance, watching as professionals extracted the coyote from the cold food section and guided the uninvited guest back outside. The coyote was unharmed and safely released into the wild.

What Should You Do if You Meet a Wild Grocery Guest?

While this story ended without incident, encounters with wildlife can turn dangerous if mishandled. If you ever find yourself face-to-face with a wild animal indoors, here's how to handle it:

• Stay calm. Panicking won't help and might provoke the animal.
• Keep your distance. The closer you get, the more nervous or defensive the animal may become.
• Call for help. Notify store employees or animal control immediately.

Aisle 4 Will Never Be the Same

This coyote's shopping trip may have been unplanned, but it certainly made Aldi shoppers' day more memorable. From sliding through automatic doors to wandering the aisles, this furry visitor reminded everyone that life can get wild — literally — when you least expect it.

References: Video shows live coyote being pulled from Chicago Aldi refrigerator on city's West Side | What happened to coyote pulled from shelf at Chicago Aldi store? Latest update