A United Airlines flight to Phoenix on Jan. 12 was diverted after the plane struck a coyote.
“On Sunday morning, United Flight 1727 returned safely to Chicago O’Hare International Airport for aircraft inspection after the landing gear was struck by a coyote during takeoff,” a United spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“We have arranged for another plane to take our customers to their destination later that afternoon.”
A traveler wonders whether 'seat setters' are the new norm, sparking reactions on social media
Six crew members and 167 passengers were on board the Boeing 737 MAX 9 when the accident occurred.
A plane was diverted to Chicago, Illinois, after the plane's landing gear struck a coyote (not pictured) during takeoff. (Istock)
Fox News Digital reached out to O'Hare International airport To comment.
For more lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle
In November, A American Airlines Fox News Digital reported that a flight was diverted to O'Hare after colliding with a bird.
An airline spokesman said at the time that the pilots were able to safely land the plane and return to the gate without any incident.
There were no reports of injuries among passengers or crew members.
A United spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the plane returned “safely” to O'Hare International Airport after the coyote incident. (United Airlines)
There were more than 17,200 Wildlife strikes at US airports in 2023, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Between 1990 and 2023, the FAA recorded nearly 310,000 collisions between aircraft and animals, most of them Usually birds.
Click here to subscribe to our lifestyle newsletter
There were more than 17,200 wildlife strikes at U.S. airports in 2023. (Istock)
Chicago has seen an increase in coyote sightings this winter, according to Fox 32.
Animal control officers were called Monday to remove a coyote that had entered an Aldi grocery store, the outlet reported.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
A Chicago Animal Care and Control spokesperson told FOX 32 that “January through March is mating season for wolves, which results in more visibility as the animals roam during daylight hours to mark territories and find mates.”
“Keep your animals on a leash, and make sure fenced yards are secure,” Arlington Heights Deputy Police Chief Greg Czarnecki said.
