BREAKING: A driver in Swain County, North Carolina, reported an astonishing incident this morning when a bald eagle allegedly dropped a cat through her windshield while she was driving on U.S. Route 74. The bizarre event occurred around 8:15 a.m. today, according to officials from the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
The driver, who was unharmed, described the shocking encounter in a frantic 911 call obtained by WLOS-TV. “OK, you may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield,” she told the dispatcher, adding that the impact “absolutely shattered my windshield.” The driver stated that the cat did not survive the dramatic fall.
Authorities have released a photo showing the car’s windshield, which features a massive hole from the impact, further underscoring the severity of the incident. Eyewitnesses confirm the driver’s account, with one witness reportedly stating, “That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Bald eagles, known for their impressive size, can stand up to 3 feet tall and have a wingspan exceeding 8 feet. Typically weighing between 8 to 14 pounds, they are capable of carrying lighter prey, generally between 3 to 5 pounds. While domestic cats can weigh anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds, they are not a common target for these predatory birds.
This incident is reminiscent of a 2019 event in North Carolina, where a large catfish crashed through a woman’s windshield after being dropped by a bird. Such occurrences highlight the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions with humans.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol has not released additional details about this morning’s incident, but it has sparked widespread interest and disbelief on social media. As more information becomes available, authorities urge caution for drivers in areas where wildlife is prevalent.
What happens next? Investigators may look into the circumstances surrounding the eagle’s behavior and whether this incident reflects a broader issue of wildlife interactions on highways. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.