The Unexpected Shopper in the Fridge
On January 13, 2025, early morning shoppers at an Aldi store in Chicago’s Humboldt Park got an unforgettable surprise. As police responded to strange reports in the fridge aisle, a live coyote emerged, tucked behind refrigerated meals! The video captured the coyote being gently pulled by its tail out of the shelf by Animal Care & Control officials.
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
Instant Viral Sensation
A surveillance clip of the bizarre retrieval—featuring a poised coyote calmly hopping out, then darting back into the fridge—was shared widely. The footage quickly racked up millions of views. Social media erupted with comments like: “I thought they’d pull out a raccoon!” and “So much for my grocery runs!”
Not a Monster—Just a Hungry Visitor
Wildlife experts confirmed the coyote was uninjured and likely wandered in seeking warmth—or maybe leftover food. Officials safely removed the animal and transferred it to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation for health checks before considering release back into the wild.
Local Reaction & Lighthearted Twist
Rather than chaos, shoppers left amused. Some joked it was “house‑trained,” others speculated it wanted its morning latte. The incident sparked a friendly reminder from Animal Control to secure trash and avoid feeding wild critters—especially during peak coyote activity from January to March.
Happy Ending: A Wild Guest Departed in Peace
After assessment, the coyote was deemed healthy and released into nearby greenery, far from the supermarket lights. Store managers even joked they might keep a cookie jar on standby for their new “fridge friend.” Meanwhile, the viral clip earned recognition as one of the quirkiest animal encounters of the year.
