by North Carolina — A shocking wildlife encounter on a mountain highway left one driver stunned and grateful to be alive after a bald eagle dropped a dead cat straight through her windshield, according to a newly released 911 call.
Bald Eagle Drops Cat Through Windshield, Driver Calls 911
A motorist traveling along U.S. Route 74 near Bryson City, just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reported one of the most bizarre incidents dispatchers say they’ve ever heard.
According to the 911 recording, the woman was driving Wednesday morning when the carcass of a cat suddenly slammed into her passenger-side windshield, shattering the glass.
“You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield,” — Caller to 911 dispatch
The dispatcher didn’t hesitate to accept the caller’s story, responding calmly, “I do believe you, honestly,” before breaking into nervous laughter.
What the Caller Experienced
The driver, who was not injured, told dispatchers that another witness saw the event unfold and confirmed the eagle released the animal mid-flight.
“He’s like, ‘That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.’ I’m like, ‘Really?’” — Caller recounting witness reaction
The dispatcher gathered the driver’s location and notified Highway Patrol to respond and file a report.
When asked whether the cat was still alive, the caller explained it was not — but reassured responders that the carcass landed beside the vehicle, not inside it.
Why Eagles Drop Their Prey
Wildlife officials say the unusual incident is rare but not impossible.
Kendrick Weeks, Western Wildlife Diversity Program supervisor for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said the cat may have been roadkill the eagle picked up from the roadside.
He added that bald eagles are strong enough to carry animals the size of a cat, though live ones are less likely targets.
“They usually don’t prey on something they don’t find palatable. Scavenging is a common behavior in bald eagles.” — Kendrick Weeks, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Eagles may drop prey because:
- Their grip slips
- The prey is too heavy
- The bird is startled or harassed by another raptor
- The prey struggles and poses a risk to the eagle
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Bald Eagle Populations Are Growing
North Carolina is home to more than 200 nesting bald eagle pairs, and the population continues to grow.
Adult bald eagles typically weigh between 6½ and 13½ pounds and boast wingspans up to 7 feet, making them some of the strongest raptors in the region.
A Terrifying, Unforgettable Encounter
While no one was injured, the driver told dispatchers the ordeal left her shaken.
“Well… that’s terrifying,” she said, as the dispatcher tried to reassure her that stranger things have happened.
Highway Patrol later responded to assist and document the incident.
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