Full Breakdown
Rescued Bald Eagle Near Big Bear Lake Likely Identified as “Jackie”
7/20/2026, 8:08:34 PM
Rescue and Immediate Findings
On the evening of Saturday, July 18, 2026, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation dispatched the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team to Dana Point Park in the Fawnskin community near Big Bear Lake. Personnel located an adult bald eagle on the ground that had been involved in a brief ground altercation with two sub-adult eagles on July 17 and again the following day. Cell-phone video captured the adult flipping onto its back and using its talons to fend off the younger birds before becoming unable to fly. After a light examination by the San Bernardino County Fire Department, the bird was stabilized and transferred to an unnamed specialty-care rehabilitation facility equipped for eagle treatment. The eagle’s sex and identity remain unconfirmed; however, the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) has said the bird “looks like Jackie” and later stated it is “likely Jackie.”
Background: The Iconic Big Bear Eagle Family
Jackie, the female of a long-standing bald-eagle pair with mate Shadow, has been the centerpiece of a 24/7 livestream operated by FOBBV since October 2015. The nest, perched 145 feet up in a Jeffrey pine, has drawn a global audience, with commenters from Hawaii to Australia. In early April, the pair successfully raised two eaglets, Sandy (April 4) and Luna (April 5), which fledged in late June 2026. Jackie has not been banded, and the organization does not know how many transient eagles may be visiting the area, complicating definitive identification of the rescued bird.
Official Statements & Agency Responses
Los Angeles County Parks officials confirmed the rescue time of approximately 10:30 p.m. on July 18 and emphasized that bald eagles are federally protected, requiring permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for rehabilitation. They asked the public not to contact the San Dimas Raptor Rescue or the rehabilitation facility for updates, directing all information to the agencies involved. FOBBV reported continuous communication with the care facility and urged fans to refrain from overwhelming the team, stressing the need for patience while medical exams, including X-rays, are completed. The organization also warned of “misinformation and speculation online” and reiterated that Jackie’s band-less status prevents immediate confirmation.
Criticism, Misinformation & Public Reaction
Social-media speculation surged after the initial video, with many viewers assuming the injured bird was Jackie. FOBBV repeatedly cautioned against jumping to conclusions, noting that multiple unbanded adult females occupy the region during summer foraging. The nonprofit highlighted the risk that excessive public inquiries could impede veterinary care and called for “kind and considerate” behavior toward staff and each other.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They’re built to perch on trees and in branches,” — Jenny Voisard, Media Manager, Friends of Big Bear Valley
- “Try not to panic,” — Jenny Voisard, Media Manager, Friends of Big Bear Valley
- “She is in the best place it can be and getting the care she needs,” — Friends of Big Bear Valley statement
- “Please do not contact San Dimas Raptor Rescue or the rehabilitation facility for updates,” — Los Angeles County officials
What’s Next
The specialty-care facility will continue diagnostic testing and treatment, with FOBBV promising to share confirmed information as it becomes available. Identification of the rescued eagle will depend on visual comparison and any future banding, while the livestream will keep viewers updated on Shadow’s care of Sandy and Luna.
