The United Airlines aircraft was carrying 167 passengers when it struck a coyote on Sunday, Jan. 12 in Chicago, the airline confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement

A United Airlines passenger jet struck a coyote on the runway during takeoff in Chicago, forcing the flight to return to O'Hare International Airport to have the landing gear examined.

Image via Shutterstock If you thought that story about a wild coyote in an Aldi was going to be the craziest coyote-themed story this week, then oh boy, do I have a tale for you? United Airlines passengers were terrified after their flight ended up striking a wild coyote while trying to take off.