In one of the most bizarre North Carolina funny news stories of the year, an Asheville-area motorist experienced a morning commute that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "raining cats and dogs." A 28-year-old driver was cruising along US-74 in Swain County when a bald eagle soaring overhead accidentally dropped its prey—a cat—directly onto her vehicle, shattering the windshield in a chaotic scene that has since gone viral.
A Surreal Morning on US-74
The incident occurred during the morning rush hour near Bryson City, about 65 miles southwest of Asheville. Melissa Schlarb, the driver, was heading to work when she noticed a majestic bald eagle flying above. Moments later, the peaceful sighting turned into a heart-stopping collision. The large bird of prey, struggling with its catch, released a cat carcass from its talons mid-flight. The animal plummeted from the sky and slammed into the passenger side of Schlarb’s windshield with the force of a projectile.
“It sounded like a bomb went off,” Schlarb later recounted to local reporters. The impact left a massive hole in the safety glass, covering the interior with debris. Miraculously, Schlarb was uninjured, though the cat through windshield incident left her shaken and the vehicle significantly damaged.
"You May Not Believe Me": The Viral 911 Call
While the physical damage was shocking, the subsequent call to emergency services has become a sensation in its own right, quickly ranking among the top viral local news stories. Understanding how unbelievable her situation sounded, Schlarb started her report to the Swain County dispatch with a disclaimer.
In the funny 911 audio that has been circulating online, Schlarb can be heard telling the operator: “Okay, you may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield. It absolutely shattered my windshield.”
Instead of confusion or disbelief, the dispatcher responded with surprising calm and a hint of humor. “Okay, I do believe you, honestly,” the operator replied, before letting out a nervous laugh. “I’ve heard crazier.” The dispatcher’s validation helped calm the situation, even as Schlarb described a witness pulling over who exclaimed, “That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen!”
Wildlife Experts Explain the "Bald Eagle Cat Drop"
Following the Asheville weird news event, local wildlife experts have weighed in to explain how such a strange accident could happen. Kendrick Weeks from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission clarified that while bald eagles are powerful predators, carrying a heavy mammal like a cat—even a smaller one—can be a struggle.
Why Did the Eagle Drop It?
Experts suggest the eagle was likely scavenging roadkill rather than hunting a live pet, as strange animal encounters involving live domestic cats are rare for eagles. The bird may have fumbled its grip or simply found the load too heavy to maintain altitude, forcing it to jettison the cargo. Unfortunately for Schlarb, her vehicle was in the exact wrong place at the wrong time.
A Warning for Drivers
While this specific bald eagle cat drop scenario is a one-in-a-million occurrence, officials are using the viral story to remind drivers to stay alert. The incident serves as a wild reminder that hazards on the road don't just come from other cars—sometimes, they come from the sky.
Schlarb, now safe and dealing with insurance claims for what might be the most unique comprehensive coverage claim of the year, offered simple advice to fellow motorists: “Keep your eyes peeled. Even the things you don’t expect to happen, they will.”
