URGENT UPDATE: A driver in North Carolina experienced a bizarre incident when a cat carcass crashed into her windshield after being dropped by a bald eagle. The shocking event took place on November 19, 2025, along U.S. Route 74 in Swain County, near Bryson City, approximately 65 miles southwest of Asheville.
The woman called 911 Wednesday morning, stating, “You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield.” Her call highlighted the urgency of the situation, as the impact shattered her windshield. The dispatcher responded with a mix of disbelief and humor, saying, “I do believe you, honestly,” before laughing.
Witnesses to the incident added to the drama, as another person confirmed seeing the cat fall from the sky. “That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,” the witness remarked, underscoring the unusual nature of the event. The dispatcher assured the driver that the Highway Patrol would be dispatched to investigate further.
Officials from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, including Kendrick Weeks, explained that eagles can drop prey for various reasons, such as a poor grip or if the prey is struggling. They noted that while it is difficult for eagles to capture live cats, scavenging on roadkill is a common behavior.
The dispatcher humorously inquired about the cat’s condition, leading to a brief moment of levity amid the chaos. “Is the cat still alive?” she asked, to which the driver confirmed the cat was not alive and was located on the roadside.
Weeks elaborated on the behavior of bald eagles, stating that they sometimes drop prey due to harassment from other birds or if the prey becomes too heavy to carry. While it is uncommon for bald eagles to drop prey to kill it, such behavior has been observed in raptors.
This extraordinary event has captivated the community and drawn attention to the fascinating yet sometimes startling behaviors of wildlife in the area, especially near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As investigations continue, many are left wondering how such an unusual occurrence could happen and what it means for the local ecosystem.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities piece together the details surrounding this extraordinary incident.
