See video of eagle, believed to be Jackie, rescued
Rescuers saved an injured bald eagle that is believed to be Jackie from the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam in California.
Big Bear Valley’s Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam’s famous eagle, Jackie, is recovering after being rescued after an apparent “altercation” with two subadult eagles.
Friends of Big Bear Valley’s Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam (FOBBV) wrote in a July 20 Facebook post, “Jackie is underweight but alert, perching and eating with assistance.” Earlier that day, the nonprofit said the bird was in stable condition, while a rehab facility awaits “diagnostic results that can take several days.”
According to FOBBV’s post, Jackie is recovering at Ojai Raptor Center in Ojai, about 180 miles west of Big Bear Lake, where she was brought on Saturday, July 18.
Ojai Raptor Center, in a July 20 post on Facebook, said the eagle was brought in “weak and vulnerable,” and is currently “underweight and lethargic”; however, there are no obvious signs of physical trauma. The wildlife center said a full medical assessment is currently underway, and “her bloodwork and toxicology results are still pending and will help guide the next steps in treatment.”
“We do want to say thank you to all who helped Jackie,” FOBBV said. “We had locals and visitors that stayed in the area where Jackie was basically grounded to keep an eye on her and make sure she was safe.”
What happened to Big Bear’s Jackie?
On Friday, July 17, the eagle, now confirmed to be Jackie, was seen in an “altercation” with two subadult eagles, according to the Friends of Big Bear Valley.
“Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly far away,” the nonprofit stated on Facebook.
While the eagle was able to defend itself, it did not get far and was seen on the ground near Dana Point Park, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
The nonprofit said the public tried “contacting several agencies for help with no response,” until one individual reported the situation to the local San Bernardino County fire station in Fawnskin, where Capt. Dennis Jones and a team responded, eventually getting in touch with San Dimas Raptor Rescue of the Los Angeles County Parks Department.
The rescue team did not arrive until 2 a.m.; meanwhile, Jones and his team “stayed with Jackie to protect her from other wildlife and human interference.”
“From visitors hoping to spot an eagle, to local residents, to the fire department team and finally San Dimas Raptor Rescue, they are all Jackie’s angels,” FOBBV said.
Jackie had not been spotted for several days
Before her rescue, Jackie had not been spotted for several days in her nest, which is livestreamed online, according to the nonprofit. She and her partner, Shadow, have garnered fans over several years as they have watched the couple raise their young in Big Bear Valley, a 15-mile-long valley in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California.
The livestream began in 2016, according to USA TODAY’s previous reporting. Fans have rallied behind the eagles for years and watched as they continue to return to Big Bear Valley to create their nests.
The two became empty nesters after their eaglets, Sandy and Luna, left the nest in June. Sandy left after she had an accidental fledge when she fell from the nest, and Luna fledged the nest the day after.
Fans of the animals can tune in to see if the eaglets return on the Friends of Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam Facebook page, or watch live on the Organization’s website or YouTube channel.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
