Video Shows Authorities Pulling Unexpected Live Wild Animal from Fridge Shelf at Chicago Supermarket
A coyote was found and removed from an unexpected hiding place.
On Monday, Jan. 13, at an Aldi supermarket in Chicago, a coyote was discovered in the refrigerator section hiding behind the shelf of prepared meals, according to a video Barstool Sports personality Eddie Farrer published on X.
In the video, two Chicago Animal Care and Control officials are by the refrigerator shelf when one uses a tool to retrieve an unknown animal. As he finds the animal, he pulls it by its tail with his own hands. Quickly, the coyote is revealed and jumps out.
The wild animal gets its footing and promptly jumps back into the refrigerator shelving. The video does not document the authorities removing the animal from the refrigerator again or its removal from the supermarket.
The video was seemingly from outside the store and through the window. “I was prepared to see him pull out an opossum or a raccoon. Did NOT expect that,” Farrer captioned the clip.
Chicago Animal Care and Control and the Police Department both confirmed to NBC 5 that the incident occurred around 9:45 a.m., and the coyote was “safely” taken into custody.
“The animal is currently at our facility awaiting transfer to our wildlife rehabilitation partner, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation,” CACC said in a statement to NBC 5. “The coyote appears uninjured, but Flint Creek will conduct an assessment to confirm its health before releasing it back into the wild if deemed appropriate.”
The Chicago PD confirmed there were no reported injuries.
After the incident, Chicago Animal Care and Control posted information regarding coyotes on Facebook. The species has increased activity in urban areas from January through March.
“During this time, coyotes are more active and may be seen more frequently, even during daylight hours. Coyotes are typically shy and avoid humans, but it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets and community safe,” read the post.
The department also provided tips, including keeping pets on leashes, securing food sources, monitoring yards, not feeding coyotes and remaining alert. “If you see a coyote, make yourself big, loud, and back away slowly—never run,” the department added.
The Chicago Animal Care and Control also provided a coyote tip sheet for Chicago residents to reference.
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Representatives for the Chicago Police Department and Animal Care and Control Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Monday.
