In a strange turn of events, a motorist in western North Carolina narrowly escaped injury when a cat carcass crashed into her windshield, reportedly dropped by a bald eagle. This remarkable incident occurred on U.S. Route 74, near Bryson City, roughly 65 miles southwest of Asheville.
The driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, recounted her experience during a 911 call, stating, You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield! Her incredulity was met with laughter from the dispatcher, who assured her, I do believe you, honestly. I’ve heard crazier. The unexpected encounter shattered her windshield but fortunately left her unharmed.
Witnesses confirmed the bizarre incident as another bystander noted the cat’s sudden descent, exclaiming, That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen! Following the call, the dispatcher confirmed they would send the Highway Patrol to assess the situation. Amidst the unusual circumstances, the dispatcher didn't forget to inquire whether the cat was alive, to which the driver confirmed it was on the side of the road.
Experts like Kendrick Weeks from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission suggest the eagle may have scavenged the cat, as they are known to consume various prey, though, typically, they don't catch live cats. Factors such as a poor grip or disturbances from other raptors could also result in dropping prey, he explained. Bald eagles are native to North Carolina, with a significant increase in their population noted, totaling over 200 nesting pairs in the region. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the remarkable interactions between wildlife and human environments.
