(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — A surprising scene played out at an Aldi in Chicago’s Humboldt Park this week. A coyote casually wandered into the store, leaving shoppers and staff in disbelief. Videos circulating online show the animal exploring the produce section while a Chicago police officer tried—unsuccessfully at first—to wrangle the unexpected guest. The coyote was eventually secured by animal control, leaving behind a story everyone in town was talking about.
For residents of Simi Valley, the story hits close to home—literally. With a healthy coyote population roaming the hills and open spaces around the city, it’s easy to imagine a similar situation playing out at one of our local grocery stores. After all, coyotes are no strangers to urban life in Simi Valley, often seen trotting through neighborhoods, crossing streets, or even hanging out near schools.
“We see them all the time,” said Simi resident Mark Carter. “I’ve spotted coyotes just outside my backyard at least twice this month. If one decided to stroll into Aldi, it wouldn’t even surprise me.”
Experts say coyote behavior like this isn’t entirely out of the ordinary, especially during mating season, which runs from January through March. During this time, coyotes are more active, covering greater distances in search of food and mates. Urban areas like Simi Valley, which border wild habitats, often see increased coyote activity in residential and commercial areas.
“We share space with them,” said a local wildlife expert. “They’re incredibly adaptive and curious animals. In a situation like the Chicago incident, the coyote likely followed a food scent or was simply exploring.”
Simi Valley residents, while no strangers to coyote sightings, are still taken aback by the idea of one wandering into a grocery store. “The automatic doors could make it easier for them to get in,” joked Lisa Ramirez, who shops at the Aldi on Cochran Street. “But if I ever saw a coyote in the produce section, I’d be out of there so fast!”
While coyotes are generally not a threat to humans, wildlife officials urge residents to take precautions. Securing trash cans, avoiding feeding pets outdoors, and staying alert during early morning or evening hours can help minimize interactions.
For now, Simi Valley shoppers can only hope the local coyotes stay in their usual haunts. But after Chicago’s wild Aldi incident, the possibility doesn’t seem quite so far-fetched.
