Originally Posted by
visibility3miles
If you don't expect to see a person, or animal, on the runway during takeoff, it may take a long time to realize what exactly crossed your path briefly when you have many other things to think about.
I agree there can be some uncertainty. Friend thought they might have hit a deer on takeoff. It came running from his side of the runway. Captain didn't see it and doubted him. Post flight found a bloody deer stuffed in the nose gear well.