The livestreamed Big Bear bald-eagle pair captured global attention and grief after Jackie, the female of the pair, died following a prolonged illness and intensive veterinary care. Veterinary partners and wildlife agencies said the necropsy identified highly pathogenic avian influenza as the primary underlying cause of her decline. The finding was released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in collaboration with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Ojai Raptor Center.
Jackie arrived at the Ojai Raptor Center weak after she was found struggling near Big Bear Lake following an encounter with other eagles. Veterinarians treated severe anemia with a blood transfusion and performed scans and biopsies while searching for the cause. The necropsy report linked the influenza infection to a severe ulcer in Jackie’s stomach that led to persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and a serious secondary bacterial infection.
Toxicology also detected brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rodenticide, and other persistent contaminants in Jackie’s tissues. Officials said the necropsy did not show the uncontrolled hemorrhage typically associated with anticoagulant poisoning, and therefore did not identify the rodenticide as the primary cause of death. The tests also ruled out West Nile virus and heavy metals as significant contributors. Wildlife officials said Jackie’s remains were cremated at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Eagle Repository to prevent disease spread.
Big Bear Community Reaction And Conservation Impact
Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that operates the nest camera, and other local groups said Jackie helped build a worldwide following for the Big Bear nest and raised public awareness about raptor conservation. The livestream documented decades of nesting history, many eggs and several fledglings that were named and followed by viewers and local students.
The public response included tributes organized by the valley’s community and a memorial event attended by hundreds. State officials issued a formal recognition in memory of Jackie, and Friends of Big Bear Valley reported a surge in donations that helped secure funds to protect a nearby parcel known as Moon Camp. Those funds included a major private gift and completed a purchase intended to add the land to public protection.
On the nest itself, Jackie’s longtime mate Shadow remains in the area and has been seen pairing with another banded eagle known as KD1 or Kaydee. Friends of Big Bear Valley said viewers continue to follow the nest feed and that the nest’s story now includes recovery efforts, ongoing monitoring, and questions about disease risks for wild raptors. Agencies said the necropsy results will inform future care and monitoring of eagles and other wildlife.
