by Bryson City, NC – A North Carolina driver experienced a shocking and unusual encounter on Wednesday, Nov. 19, when a cat crashed through her car windshield after being dropped by a bald eagle.
Unbelievable Morning Commute
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. on US-74 in Swain County, near Bryson City, approximately 65 miles outside Asheville. The driver, whose name has not been released, immediately called 911, reporting that a feline had shattered her windshield.
In a 911 transcript obtained by ABC 11, the driver said, “You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield. It absolutely shattered my windshield.” The operator responded, “I do believe you, honestly. I had a witness who was like, ‘That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.’”
Damage and Aftermath
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that the driver was unharmed, but tragically, the cat did not survive the fall. Trooper Kosal Thach told The Charlotte Observer that the feline had been seen struggling against the bald eagle in mid-air before the collision.
The car, reportedly traveling at 55 mph, suffered a shattered passenger-side windshield. The driver’s vehicle was towed, and she received alternative transportation to work. The eagle had already fled the scene before troopers arrived.
It remains unclear whether the cat was a local pet or how it came into the eagle’s grasp. Bryson City, located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is home to a thriving population of bald eagles.
Bald Eagles: Nature’s Hunters
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bald eagles are the largest bird of prey in North America. Females can reach a wingspan of up to 8 feet and weigh 14 pounds, while males can have a wingspan of 6 feet and weigh 10 pounds.
Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders. Their diet primarily includes fish but also features waterfowl, shorebirds, small mammals, turtles, rabbits, and snakes. They typically swoop down from the sky, grabbing prey with their talons, which in this rare case led to a catastrophic collision.
Local Reactions
Residents of Bryson City and surrounding areas expressed shock at the incident. Experts note that while bald eagle attacks on humans are extremely rare, their hunting behavior can sometimes result in unforeseen accidents, especially in regions where wildlife and human activity overlap.
Have you ever seen a bald eagle in the wild? Share your stories or wildlife encounters in the comments below!
