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Bald Eagle Drops Cat Through Windshield in Bizarre North Carolina Crash

On Nov. 19 a North Carolina motorist had a cat fall through her windshield after it was apparently being carried by a bald eagle. The driver was uninjured, but local reports say the cat died on impact. Witnesses saw the feline struggling with the bird in mid-air, and the eagle flew away before troopers arrived. The crash occurred near Bryson City, close to the Great Smoky Mountains, where bald eagles are common.

12:13 AM, 11/22/2025Society
Bald Eagle Drops Cat Through Windshield in Bizarre North Carolina Crash

A North Carolina driver had a shocking start to her day on Nov. 19 when a falling animal smashed through her windshield and landed inside the vehicle. After pulling over, she discovered the object was a cat that a bald eagle had apparently been carrying overhead.

The incident occurred at about 8 a.m. on US-74 in Swain County near Bryson City, roughly 65 miles from Asheville. The driver immediately called 911, telling the operator, "You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield. It absolutely shattered my windshield." She was not injured.

State troopers reported that witnesses had seen the feline struggling with the eagle in mid-air as the bird carried it. The car was traveling at approximately 55 mph when the cat struck the passenger-side windshield, shattering the glass. Police released a photograph showing significant damage to that pane; the driver had the vehicle towed and continued to work using an alternate ride.

Local reports indicate the cat did not survive the impact. The eagle flew off before troopers arrived, and investigators have not determined whether the cat was a pet or a stray.

Context and wildlife notes

Bryson City sits close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an area known to host many bald eagles. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bald eagles are North America's largest birds of prey: females may reach wingspans up to 8 feet and weigh as much as 14 pounds; males are generally smaller.

Bald eagles are opportunistic predators and scavengers. While fish make up a large portion of their diet, they also take waterfowl, small mammals and other animals, sometimes snatching prey from the ground or water with powerful talons.

Safety reminder

Authorities remind drivers in regions with large raptors to stay alert to wildlife along and above roadways. Collisions with falling animals can cause serious damage and unexpected hazards on the road.

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