Full Breakdown
Bald Eagle Drops Cat Through Windshield in North Carolina
11/26/2025, 9:28:56 AM
Incident Overview
On the morning of November 19, 2023, a bizarre incident occurred on U.S. Route 74 in Swain County, North Carolina, when a bald eagle dropped a deceased cat onto the windshield of a passing vehicle. The driver, Melissa Schlarb, reported the event during a 911 call, stating, “You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield. It absolutely shattered my windshield.” Fortunately, Schlarb was uninjured, and the incident was witnessed by another motorist who described it as “the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Background on Bald Eagles
Bald eagles are native to North America and have been experiencing population growth, with over 200 nesting pairs reported in North Carolina alone. According to Kendrick Weeks, wildlife diversity supervisor for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, bald eagles can capture animals as large as a cat, although it is more challenging to catch a live one than a dead one. Scavenging behavior is common among these birds, and they may drop prey for various reasons, including a poor grip, harassment from other birds, or if the prey becomes too heavy.
Eyewitness Accounts
The incident unfolded near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where Schlarb was driving when the cat fell onto her car. In her 911 call, she expressed disbelief at the situation, prompting a light-hearted response from the dispatcher, who affirmed, “OK. I do believe you, honestly.” The dispatcher’s reaction highlighted the unusual nature of the event, as she noted, “Oh my goodness. Let’s see. I’ve heard crazier.”
Wildlife Expert Insights
Kendrick Weeks elaborated on the behavior of bald eagles, explaining that they may drop prey if it struggles, if they are being harassed, or if they lose grip. He noted that the cat appeared to be freshly killed and had likely been scavenged by the eagle. The incident raises questions about the feeding habits of bald eagles and their interactions with other wildlife.
Official Responses
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed the incident and dispatched officers to document the event. The Highway Patrol's involvement underscores the unusual nature of the occurrence, as it required an official report due to the bizarre circumstances.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of wildlife behavior and the unexpected interactions that can occur between humans and animals. As bald eagle populations continue to grow in North Carolina, such encounters may become more common, prompting further interest in the habits and behaviors of these raptors.
