Jackie, Big Bear's beloved bald eagle, dies at 14

Jackie, the bald eagle who transformed a nest above Big Bear Lake into one of the most-watched wildlife livestreams in the world, died in the early hours of Monday, August 10, 2026, at age 14[1]. The Ojai Raptor Center, where she had been receiving intensive care, announced her passing on social media that afternoon.

"Over the past several days, her condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists," the center said. "She remained critically ill, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring in our intensive care unit."[1]

Jackie was believed to be the first documented bald eagle hatched in Big Bear Valley, born in 2012 during a broader comeback for the species in California after decades of decline[1]. A wildlife camera mounted near her nest in a Jeffrey pine overlooking the lake turned what began as a conservation project into a phenomenon. By 2026, Friends of Big Bear Valley — the nonprofit that operated the nest cam — had attracted more than one million followers across social media, with viewers tuning in from across California and around the world[1].

Much of that audience came for Jackie and her mate, Shadow, whom she paired with in 2018[1]. Together they weathered winter storms, raven attacks, and failed nesting seasons, raising multiple eaglets over the years. Their final clutch, Luna and Sandy, arrived in 2026[1]. The pair's story even reached primetime television — Season 20, Episode 16 of the CBS drama NCIS, titled "Butterfly Effect," featured agents watching the Friends of Big Bear Valley nest cam on their phones[1].

Jackie's final chapter began when she disappeared from the nest area during the summer of 2026. She was found grounded near Big Bear Lake, transported to wildlife rehabilitation facilities, and eventually brought to the Ojai Raptor Center, where veterinarians diagnosed her with severe anemia, kidney inflammation, and other complications[1]. Thousands of followers tracked her condition closely in the days that followed.

"We know this news will be deeply felt by the many thousands of people around the world who have followed her journey, hoped alongside us, prayed for her, and supported the people caring for her," the Ojai Raptor Center said. "Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her."[1]

Jackie is survived by Shadow and multiple offspring that have dispersed into the wild over the years[1].

Big Bear News will continue to follow this story. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit most closely associated with Jackie's public legacy, had not issued a statement at the time of publication. Readers looking to honor Jackie's memory or support bald eagle conservation can follow Friends of Big Bear Valley's social media channels for updates.