Injured bald eagle rescued in Big Bear believed to be Jackie, Friends of Big Bear Valley says

An injured bald eagle, widely believed to be the well-known Big Bear resident Jackie, is currently receiving care at the Ojai Raptor Center. The rescue took place early Saturday morning after the bird was found in a weakened state following an altercation with two younger eagles in the Big Bear area.

Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that monitors the eagle pair and their nest, reported that the rescue operation began after observers saw the bird struggling to fly. The San Dimas Raptor Rescue team arrived to stabilize the eagle, who was suffering from significant exhaustion and poor feather condition rather than major trauma or broken bones. While Jackie is not officially banded, the organization stated that evidence suggests the rescued bird is indeed the famous local eagle.

Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center are performing a full medical assessment. While initial exams show she is stable, experts indicate she is underweight and in need of recovery time. Staff expect the rehabilitation process to take several weeks before any consideration for a return to her habitat.

This incident follows a period of absence for Jackie, who had not been seen at the nest for several days. Her partner, Shadow, continues to monitor the area and support their two recently fledged eaglets, Sandy and Luna, who are still seen near the nest site. Supporters have rallied to provide donations to the rescue centers involved in her care, and the community is encouraged to wait for further diagnostic updates from the rehabilitation facility.

Volunteers stress that the bird's inability to fend off younger challengers during the initial fight was a clear sign of her weakened physical state. With proper nutrition and veterinary oversight, the focus remains on ensuring her health returns to its typical standard so she can eventually resume her role in the Big Bear nest.