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.

A United Airlines flight declared an emergency on Sunday after hitting a coyote during takeoff at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, airline officials confirmed.

A United Airlines flight was forced to turn back around after hitting a coyote during takeoff. None of the 167 passengers or six crew members were injured, but the Boeing plane had to quickly turn back around to Chicago O’Hare Airport to check the landing gear.

A United Airlines flight struck a coyote on the runway during takeoff from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, forcing the jet to return to the airport.

The County Commission said Florida has too many coyotes, and wants to see a change in state policies regarding controlling the population.

It went from me thinking I’m going to defend my chickens to I’m going to have to defend myself,” Lett told us.

In a press release issued this week, Dallas Animal Services (DAS) reminded communities to stay vigilant amid coyote mating season.

A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Phoenix had to return to O’Hare International Airport on Sunday morning after its landing gear struck a coyote during takeoff.

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

The landing gear of a United 737 hit a coyote as the plane took off Sunday morning for Phoenix. The plane turned around and safely landed back at O’Hare. The passengers and crew switched planes and left again later in the day.

The latest episode looks at a bizarre call in Chicago that had a police officer wrangling a coyote that got loose in a grocery store. Quick: How many "Looney Tunes" jokes can