
Coyote chaos has officially descended on Chicago, with the furry creatures popping up in several surprising locations around the city over the past week.
One coyote made headlines on Monday, January 13, after entering an Aldi grocery store in Humboldt Park.
According to a report by NBC, the canine managed to wedge itself into a refrigerator shelf before local animal control officials safely removed it.
Just a day earlier, on Sunday, January 12, a United Airlines flight departing from O’Hare Airport collided with a coyote while preparing for takeoff.
According to CBS Chicago, the plane was removed from service and sent for inspection following the incident.
Coyotes a common presence in Chicago

Coyotes are a normal presence in Chicago, with Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) estimating the Chicago coyote population to be around 2,000 as of 2014.
According to CACC, researchers expect the coyote population to steadily grow as the canines have no natural predators in urban areas and adapt around humans.
Mating season linked to spike in sightings

As for what’s behind the spike in coyote sightings in Chicago, experts say mating season is the culprit.
In a post shared on social media Monday, CACC advised Chicagoans to be aware of potential increases in local coyote activity during the coming months.
“January through March is coyote mating season, which means increased activity in urban areas, including Chicago,” read the post.
“During this time, coyotes are more active and may be seen more frequently, even during daylight hours.”
Minimizing coyote encounters

While coyotes typically shy away from humans, CACC notes that the canines can present a threat to household pets.
Here are some of the organization’s tips for minimizing coyote encounters and keeping your furry friends safe!
- Leash your pets – CACC recommends pet owners keep their companions on a secure leash when visiting public parks or wooded areas.
- Limit potential food sources – Common household items like pet food, bird seed, and garbage can serve as food sources for coyotes. CACC recommends securing any potential food sources indoors to avoid coyote activity.
- Don’t feed the coyotes – Chicagoans should avoid feeding coyotes as doing so can embolden the animals, leading to increased encounters. If you notice a coyote in your neighborhood, the best course of action is to let the critter be.
- Stay alert – In the event of a close coyote encounter, CACC recommends making yourself big and loud, while slowly backing away. This can look like standing tall, yelling, and waving your arms above your head. Never run away from a coyote, as this can trigger a chase response.