Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) responded to an unusual call on Monday at an Aldi store in Humboldt Park, where a coyote was discovered hiding in the cold food section.

The animal was safely taken into custody by CACC staff and transported to their facility.

The coyote appeared uninjured, but it will undergo a health assessment by Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation before any decisions are made about its release into the wild.

CACC noted that January through March is coyote mating season, a time when the animals are more active as they search for mates and establish territories.

Details about how the coyote entered the Aldi store remain unclear.

The coyote will remain under Flint Creek’s care until wildlife specialists determine it is healthy and ready to return to its natural habitat.

In the meantime, local officials remind residents to take steps to minimize interactions with wildlife, particularly during coyote mating season.

Tips include supervising pets, securing food sources, and avoiding feeding wildlife. Anyone encountering a coyote is advised to stay calm, make noise, and back away slowly without running.