Bald eagle Jackie in critical condition following rescue in Big Bear Valley

Bald eagle Jackie in critical condition following rescue in Big Bear Valley

Jackie, the bald eagle known to thousands through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, is fighting for survival at a rehabilitation center after a series of events left the bird grounded and critically ill. Identified as Bald Eagle patient 26-519, Jackie is currently receiving care at the Ojai Raptor Center in Ventura County.

Medical staff at the center reported in a July 21 Facebook post that initial bloodwork reveals the eagle is suffering from inflammation affecting her kidneys and severe anemia. While Jackie remains alert, is perching, and is eating, the center stated her condition remains critical, and this is still a very serious case.

The crisis began around July 17, when an adult eagle, later confirmed to be Jackie, was seen on the ground near Dana Point Park in Fawnskin. Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit managing the nest cam, noted that the bird had not been spotted in her nest for several days prior to the rescue. Witnesses reported seeing the eagle near the park the day before the 17th.

On July 17, cellphone video captured Jackie in an altercation with two subadult eagles. FOBBV stated that while the adult eagle successfully fended off the others by turning over and using her talons, she was unable to fly far away. Video from the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation further showed the eagle moving through a body of water.

The rescue effort involved multiple agencies after the public initially attempted to contact several organizations without response. A report was eventually made to the San Bernardino County fire station in Fawnskin. Capt. Dennis Jones and his team responded, eventually coordinating with the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team from the Los Angeles County Parks Department. After the San Dimas team stabilized the bird, she was transferred on Saturday afternoon to the Ojai Raptor Center for long-term specialized care.

Veterinarians are now attempting to determine why Jackie was weak and underweight. While the territorial fight preceded her rescue, wildlife officials suspect she may have been compromised by an illness or an environmental toxin before the encounter, as she suffered no major injuries during the fight. X-rays have already ruled out the presence of metal objects, such as sinkers or fishing hooks.

The Ojai Raptor Center is currently awaiting results for diagnostic tests to determine if the eagle was exposed to zinc, lead, or rodenticides. The center is providing supportive treatment with guidance from wildlife professionals globally, though they cautioned that wildlife medicine takes time, and some answers simply cannot be rushed.

Despite the gravity of her condition, FOBBV reported that Jackie has shown increased energy. The nonprofit described the bird as mad and fighting the staff, adding that she is picking up food on her own. That’s our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle, the group said.

Jackie's partner, Shadow, remains at the nest in the San Bernardino National Forest. He continues to defend the territory and care for their fledgling eaglets, Luna and Sandy, who left the nest in June. Sandy's departure followed an accidental fledge, while Luna fledged the following day.

The Ojai Raptor Center and FOBBV have both requested that the public refrain from calling, texting, or emailing emergency hotlines or administrative offices for updates. The center stated it will share meaningful information as it becomes available.

The Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, which has been livestreaming since 2016, continues to provide 24-hour monitoring of the nest via YouTube, the organization's website, and Facebook.