A motorist in western North Carolina escaped injury when the carcass of a cat crashed into the passenger side of her front windshield along a highway. This unusual incident took place near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically on U.S. Route 74 in Swain County.
In a call to 911, the unidentified driver recounted how a bald eagle dropped the feline. You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield, she said, describing the loud crash as her windshield shattered upon impact.
Determining how the cat ended up in the sky is still unclear; it might have slipped from the eagle's talons or simply been discarded if the bird found it unpalatable. The dispatcher seemed to find humor amidst the chaos, responding with credibility and laughter to the caller's wild explanation.
Oh my goodness. Let’s see. I’ve heard crazier, the dispatcher assured her.
Witnessed by another individual nearby, the driver noted, He’s like, ‘That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.’ I’m like, ‘Really?’” This prompted the dispatcher to inquire about the cat's condition, leading to more laughter from both the caller and dispatcher as they reflected on the absurdity.
Experts like Kendrick Weeks from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission explained that such behavior isn't common but can occur. Eagles sometimes scavenge roadkill, and they may drop their prey if they have poor grip or are startled during flight. Bald eagles in the area have been increasingly spotted, with more than 200 nesting pairs known to inhabit North Carolina.
This incident serves as an unusual reminder of the unpredictable interactions between wildlife and humans, sparking curiosity and laughter in a scenario that could have otherwise ended in tragedy.
