URGENT UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded in North Carolina on November 19, 2025, when a driver reported that a cat carcass was dropped through her windshield by a bald eagle. The event occurred on U.S. Route 74 in Swain County, close to Bryson City, approximately 65 miles southwest of Asheville.
The driver called 911 early Wednesday morning, stating, “You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield.” She described the impact as significant, stating it “absolutely shattered my windshield.” The dispatcher, while maintaining a calm demeanor, acknowledged the bizarre situation, responding, “Okay. I do believe you, honestly,” followed by laughter.
The driver noted that another eyewitness also saw the cat fall from the sky. “He’s like, ‘That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,'” she recounted. The dispatcher, amused yet respectful, acknowledged the strangeness of the situation, stating, “Oh my goodness. I’ve heard crazier.”
As the 911 call progressed, the dispatcher inquired if the cat was alive. The driver confirmed it was not, clarifying that the carcass was on the side of the road instead of inside her vehicle. In response, the dispatcher assured her that the Highway Patrol would be dispatched to investigate.
Experts from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, including official Kendrick Weeks, weighed in on the unusual occurrence. He explained that while bald eagles can catch live prey, they typically scavenge for roadkill. “It is much harder for them to take a live cat than a dead cat,” Weeks said, emphasizing that dropping prey can occur for several reasons, such as poor grip or struggle from the prey.
In a fascinating twist, Weeks noted that eagles might drop their catch if they are being harassed by another bird or if the prey becomes too heavy to carry. Although raptors may drop prey as a tactic to kill it, this behavior is uncommon for bald eagles.
This peculiar incident not only left the driver shaken but also raised questions about wildlife behavior in the region. As the investigation unfolds, residents and wildlife enthusiasts are left to ponder the mysteries of nature that can lead to such shocking events.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as authorities continue to piece together the details surrounding this extraordinary encounter between human and wildlife.