Catastrophe from the Skies: Eagle's Drop Shatters Windscreen
A motorist in North Carolina experienced an extraordinary and terrifying event when a bald eagle dropped a cat through her car windscreen while she was driving. The shocking incident occurred on Wednesday along the US Route 74 highway in Swain County, forcing the stunned woman to immediately pull over.
The Moment of Impact
Dramatic photographs reveal the extensive damage: a huge crater and a web of cracks across the glass. The impact happened while the vehicle was travelling at approximately 55mph, a force that compelled the driver to call emergency services. In a recording of her 911 call, the woman can be heard explaining the surreal situation to the operator, stating, "Okay, you may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield."
She added that the object "absolutely shattered my windshield," a fact clearly visible in the images released by the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Reassuringly, the operator responded, "I do believe you, honestly." The driver also mentioned that a witness was left equally startled by the cat's sudden descent from the sky.
Aftermath and Animal Behaviour
Highway Patrol officials confirmed that the woman was not injured in the bizarre event, though her vehicle had to be towed from the scene. Tragically, the cat did not survive the fall and was confirmed dead at the side of the road. A witness provided further context to the Charlotte Observer, reporting they had seen the cat "fighting" in the air with the eagle just moments before the drop.
While bald eagles typically hunt for fish or smaller birds, they are known to target cats on rare occasions, particularly if the feline appears vulnerable, such as being young, injured, or elderly. This is not the first time a pet has been targeted; in June 2022, a Yorkshire Terrier named CoCo in Metlakatla, British Columbia, narrowly escaped after being swooped upon by a bald eagle, suffering only minor scratches.
