BREAKING: A driver in North Carolina experienced a shocking incident when a bald eagle dropped a cat carcass through her windshield on the morning of November 19, 2025. The driver, traveling along U.S. Route 74 near Bryson City, reported the astonishing event to a dispatcher, leaving many questioning the extraordinary occurrence.
In a 911 call that has since gone viral, the woman exclaimed, “You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield. It absolutely shattered my windshield.” The dispatcher responded with disbelief, saying, “Okay. I do believe you, honestly,” before sharing a laugh with the caller. The incident unfolded near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 65 miles southwest of Asheville.
Witnesses corroborated the driver’s story. “He’s like, ‘That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,'” she recounted. The impact of the cat crashing into her car necessitated a response from the Highway Patrol, who were dispatched to the scene to file a report.
The driver confirmed that the cat was not alive and lay on the side of the road, prompting the dispatcher to ask, “Is the cat still alive?” North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Kendrick Weeks later speculated that the eagle could have grabbed the cat as roadkill. “Scavenging is a common behavior in bald eagles,” he noted.
Eagles are known to drop prey for various reasons, including a poor grip or the prey struggling. This behavior can occur if they are being harassed by other birds or if the prey becomes too heavy. Weeks clarified that while bald eagles can carry animals the size of a cat, it is more challenging to manage a live one.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredicted interactions between wildlife and humans, particularly in areas close to natural habitats. As authorities investigate further, residents and social media users alike are left in awe of the surreal incident that unfolded on a regular highway.
As more details emerge, this extraordinary event raises questions about animal behavior and the dynamics of wildlife encounters. Stay tuned for further updates on this captivating story.
