Jackie Rescued in Critical Condition After Bald Eagle Fight Near Big Bear Nest (Video)
Jackie, the star matriarch of Big Bear's globally watched bald eagle livestream, is currently receiving critical care at a specialized facility following a multi-day search and rescue effort near Big Bear Lake.
Jackie, the star matriarch of Big Bear's globally watched bald eagle livestream, is currently receiving critical care at a specialized facility following a multi-day search and rescue effort near Big Bear Lake. The ordeal began after Jackie disappeared from the popular nest camera operated by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). On July 17, local onlookers spotted an adult bald eagle grounded near Dana Point Park in Fawnskin. Witnesses reported seeing the bird involved in a territorial dispute with two subadult eagles. While the adult successfully defended itself using its talons, it was unable to fly away afterward.
Emergency personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department monitored the grounded eagle until specialists from the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation's San Dimas Raptor Rescue team arrived. Rescuers safely secured the weakened bird and transported her for initial stabilization before transferring her to the Ojai Raptor Center, a facility licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to handle bald eagle rehabilitation. Bald Eagle vs. Goose Post: US Victory Over Canada in Olympic Hockey Final 2026 Sparks Political Row.
Diagnostic Tests Reveal Anemia and Kidney Inflammation
Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center reported that Jackie remains in critical condition. Initial laboratory work revealed that she is suffering from severe anemia and significant kidney inflammation. Radiographs (X-rays) ruled out internal metal blockages such as fishing hooks, lead sinkers, or other ingested hardware. Medical teams are awaiting additional bloodwork to check for exposure to lead, zinc, or rodenticides, which frequently affect wild raptors.
Despite her serious condition, caretakers noted encouraging signs of resilience. Jackie has shown increased energy, is alert, and has begun eating both with assistance and on her own.
Shadow Takes Full Charge of the Nest and Eaglets
Back at the 120-foot Jeffrey pine nest overlooking Big Bear Lake, Jackie’s long-term mate, Shadow, has assumed full parental duties. Shadow continues to supply food, protect the territory, and care for the pair's two recently fledged eaglets, Sandy and Luna, who took their first flights late last month. Local wildlife monitors confirm that the fledglings remain safe and well-fed under Shadow's care. Is 'Eagle Grabbing Schoolboy' Video Real or Fake? Viral Reel Showing Eagle Attacking Child Is AI-Generated, Reveals Fact Check.
Jackie's Injury Captured On Camera
New video is shedding light on what led up to Jackie being injured and why she needed to be rescued.
The footage was taken by a couple who found her grounded near Big Bear Lake and unable to fly. It shows Jackie fighting with two younger eagles, using her talons to fend them… pic.twitter.com/P6u8XjW4JA
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 22, 2026
Big Bear Eagle Jackie Shifted To Rehab Centre
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Eagle Nest Camera Wins Global Attention
Jackie and Shadow have captivated millions of viewers worldwide through FOBBV’s 24/7 nest camera, which has documented their breeding seasons since 2015. Their nest camera provides a real-time window into avian behavior, showing both the triumphs of successful fledglings and the natural hardships of high-altitude mountain winters.
FOBBV and veterinary staff emphasized that while Jackie's diagnosis remains guarded, her strong condition prior to the incident gives her the best possible chance of recovery. Further updates will be shared as full lab results become available.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 08:06 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
