A bald eagle’s unexpected actions have sparked a conversation about wildlife safety on highways, after it dropped a cat through a driver’s windshield in North Carolina.
Story Highlights
- A bald eagle dropped a cat through a car windshield on US-74 in North Carolina.
- The driver, Melissa Schlarb, was unharmed but her vehicle was significantly damaged.
- Wildlife experts highlight the rarity but potential increase of such incidents.
- The incident raises questions about human expansion into wildlife habitats.
Incident Details and Response
On the morning of November 19, 2025, 28-year-old Melissa Schlarb was driving eastbound on US-74 from Robbinsville to Cherokee, North Carolina. Suddenly, a bald eagle flew overhead and dropped a cat it was carrying, causing the cat to crash through her car’s windshield. Schlarb, though physically unharmed, immediately pulled over and called 911 to report the bizarre incident. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded quickly, confirming the strange occurrence.
Eyewitnesses corroborated Schlarb’s account, offering a testament to the unusual nature of the event. The incident, involving a bald eagle—a protected and symbolic species in the U.S.—highlights an extraordinary and dramatic intersection of wildlife behavior and human life. The cat, unfortunately, did not survive the encounter, while the eagle flew away unharmed.
Wildlife Behavior and Highway Safety
Bald eagles, native to North America, are known for their hunting prowess, often preying on small mammals and birds. They are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. While incidents involving eagles and vehicles are rare, they are not unprecedented. Eagles sometimes drop prey when startled or if the prey is too heavy. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions, especially in areas where human infrastructure encroaches on natural habitats.
The expansion of human infrastructure into wildlife habitats has increased the likelihood of such interactions. Conservation efforts have led to a rebound in bald eagle populations, making sightings more common in rural North Carolina. This situation poses challenges for both wildlife conservationists and road safety experts, who emphasize the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures when traversing rural highways frequented by wildlife.
Implications and Public Reaction
The incident has sparked significant public interest and media coverage. Melissa Schlarb, while relieved to have survived without physical harm, faces the emotional trauma and vehicle damage resulting from this unusual encounter. Insurance companies are likely to assess the liability and coverage implications for such wildlife-related incidents, potentially prompting a review of existing policies.
Shocked US driver calls 911: ‘I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield’ | North Carolina | The Guardian mind your outdoor #Cats https://t.co/OKahdTiWPs
— Belle & MrB (@bellewitch66) November 22, 2025
Meanwhile, the broader community is prompted to consider the implications of human expansion into wildlife habitats and the potential for increased interactions. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and understanding wildlife behaviors, as well as the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures while ensuring public safety on rural highways.
Sources:
ABC7: Bald eagle drops cat through driver’s windshield on North Carolina highway
WLOS/YouTube: Driver recounts bizarre incident
