Bald Eagle Drops Cat on North Carolina Driver’s Windshield

URGENT UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded in North Carolina as a driver reported that a bald eagle dropped a cat carcass directly onto her windshield. The unusual event occurred on November 19, 2025, along U.S. Route 74 in Swain County, near Bryson City, approximately 65 miles southwest of Asheville.

The driver called 911 on Wednesday morning, stating, “You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield.” She described the moment as catastrophic, saying that the impact shattered her windshield. The dispatcher responded with disbelief but assured the driver, “I do believe you, honestly,” before sharing a laugh over the bizarre situation.

Witnesses report that another person also saw the cat fall from the sky, with the driver remarking, “That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.” The dispatcher calmly engaged, acknowledging the strangeness of the event while dispatching the Highway Patrol to investigate.

Authorities confirmed the cat was not alive and was found on the side of the road. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Kendrick Weeks suggested that the eagle might have picked up roadkill, a common behavior for these birds. He explained, “They can take animals the size of a cat, but it is much harder for them to take a live cat than a dead cat.”

Bald eagles typically scavenge rather than hunt live prey that is not easily manageable. They may drop prey for several reasons, including struggling animals or being harassed by other birds. This incident raises questions about wildlife interactions in populated areas, especially near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The driver’s experience is not just a tale of the unexpected; it highlights the sometimes dangerous interactions between wildlife and humans. Incidents like this prompt a reminder for drivers to remain vigilant, as wildlife can pose unexpected hazards on the road.

As this story develops, officials will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this peculiar event. Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating and unusual wildlife encounter.