North Carolina Driver Left Shaken After Bald Eagle Drops Cat Through Her Windshield on Rural Highway
NORTH CAROLINA — A woman driving through rural North Carolina was left terrified after a bald eagle suddenly dropped a cat onto her car’s windshield, smashing a large hole through the glass and sending debris across the dashboard.
According to reporting from abc7LA, the bizarre incident occurred on a quiet stretch of highway and left the driver physically unharmed but extremely shaken by what happened. The cat did not survive the fall.
The Impact Left a Large Hole in the Windshield
Images shared by abc7LA show a significant circular break in the center of the windshield, with shattered glass spreading outward from the point of impact.
The driver told responders she initially had no idea what had struck her car, only realizing later that a bald eagle had dropped the animal mid-flight.
Authorities believe the eagle may have been carrying the cat as prey before losing its grip or intentionally releasing it.
Driver Uninjured but Emotionally Distressed
While the woman escaped without injuries, deputies said she was understandably distressed after the sudden crash of the animal through her windshield.
Witnesses who stopped to help reported that she appeared shaken and was still trying to process what had happened as emergency crews arrived.
Wildlife officials say these incidents, while rare, can occur when birds of prey misjudge height, distance, or lose control of what they are carrying.
Wildlife Officers Offer Explanation
Experts note that bald eagles often carry prey over long distances and may release animals if startled or if the weight becomes difficult to manage.
While incidents like this are unusual, wildlife officials emphasized that North Carolina’s eagle population has grown in recent years, increasing the likelihood of unexpected encounters in rural regions.
Community Reacts to Unusual Highway Incident
Local residents expressed shock online after seeing the photos and video of the destroyed windshield. Many said they had never heard of such an event happening in the area before and were grateful the driver wasn’t seriously hurt.
Some commenters expressed sadness for the cat while others were stunned by the power and speed of the falling impact.
Driver Recovering as Car Undergoes Repairs
The driver’s vehicle is now undergoing windshield replacement and additional inspections to ensure no further damage was caused.
Officials say the incident serves as a reminder that wildlife encounters can be unpredictable, especially in remote or wooded regions.
If you’ve ever experienced a surprising wildlife encounter on the road, or you have thoughts about this unusual incident, share your perspective with our newsroom at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
