Raven Attack on Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest Leaves Fans Heartbroken

A predatory raven attacked the nest of the famous bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, in Big Bear, California, breaching both of their newly laid eggs. This incident occurred shortly after Jackie laid her first egg of the year on January 27, 2026, with a second egg following on January 30. The attack was witnessed by thousands of viewers on a livestream operated by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Heartbreak as famous bald eagle couple’s nest attacked after lovebirds laid first egg of the yearBig Bear's famous bald eagle nest breached by ravens. Here's what we know about the eggs

The raven's intrusion was captured live, showing it pecking at one of the eggs, which resulted in a significant crack. Jenny Voisard, the media and website manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley, confirmed the breach in a Facebook post to the organization’s nearly 400,000 followers. While one egg may still be partially intact, both are believed to have been compromised. Jackie returned to the nest shortly after the raven left, attempting to care for the remaining egg.

Big Bear's famous bald eagle nest breached by ravens. Here's what we know about the eggs

Jackie and Shadow are notable figures in the Big Bear community, having previously raised eaglets Sunny and Gizmo, who hatched in the spring of 2025. Tragically, they lost a third eaglet due to heavy snowfall last year. Bald eagles typically lay multiple eggs to increase the chances of survival, and Jackie has a history of laying eggs every three days during the breeding season.

Heartbreak as famous bald eagle couple’s nest attacked after lovebirds laid first egg of the yearBig Bear's famous bald eagle nest breached by ravens. Here's what we know about the eggs

The attack has elicited a strong emotional response from the eagle-watching community. Voisard expressed solidarity with fans, stating, “Our hearts are with Jackie and Shadow always and we wrap our arms around them.” She encouraged viewers to take breaks from watching the livestream to cope with the distressing event. The community remains hopeful, as bald eagles can lay replacement clutches if the initial eggs do not survive the early incubation period.

Big Bear's famous bald eagle nest breached by ravens. Here's what we know about the eggs

Historically, Jackie has laid second clutches in February following similar incidents. The possibility of a replacement clutch remains a point of optimism for fans and wildlife enthusiasts. Voisard noted that the timing of the raven's attack might have been fortuitous for Jackie and Shadow, suggesting that it could allow them to regroup and potentially lay new eggs.

Big Bear's famous bald eagle nest breached by ravens. Here's what we know about the eggs

While the majority of sources agree on the breach of both eggs, there is some uncertainty regarding the condition of the eggs, with varying reports on whether one egg remains intact. The situation is still developing, and further updates are anticipated as the Friends of Big Bear Valley continue to monitor the nest.

Heartbreak as famous bald eagle couple’s nest attacked after lovebirds laid first egg of the year

“The fact that the raven came to do its job so quickly may be just what Jackie and Shadow needed.” — Jenny Voisard, Media and Website Manager, Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Big Bear's famous bald eagle nest breached by ravens. Here's what we know about the eggs