An unusual incident occurred this past weekend at O'Hare International Airport when a United Airlines flight encountered a wild coyote on the runway. On Sunday morning, as United Airlines Flight 1727 was accelerating for takeoff, its landing gear hit a coyote. The Boeing 737 MAX 9, bound for Phoenix, was forced to return to the airport shortly after the event. United Airlines confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and the 167 passengers, and six crew members were transferred to an alternative flight later in the afternoon, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
The fate of the coyote struck by the jet remains undisclosed; United Airlines has not released information regarding the animal's condition. This incident comes during a time when coyote sightings in Chicago have become more frequent. Coyotes are particularly active in the winter months, and January through March marks their mating season, said United, which contributed to the potential for such an encounter at an urban airport hub like O'Hare.
Following the runway incident, another coyote made headlines when it was found inside a supermarket in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The animal was discovered amongst the chilled produce in an Aldi store before being captured by Chicago Animal Care and Control officers, as captured in a harrowing scene that left customers in shock. The coyote was later transferred to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation in South Barrington for care, according to CBS News Chicago.
Authorities have not yet commented on any measures that might be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, police continue to investigate an unrelated, disturbing incident involving the death of a coyote in Mount Greenwood—seeking individuals reportedly involved in the abuse and killing of the animal.
