Bald eagle Jackie 'underweight but alert' after rescue near Big Bear nest, Friends of Big Bear Valley says

Big Bear's resident bald eagle, Jackie, is currently undergoing medical treatment following a physical altercation with two younger eagles last weekend. Rescuers from the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team pulled the bird from the water after observing the fight at Dana Point Park. Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed that while Jackie is underweight and suffering from kidney inflammation, she remains alert and active in her recovery efforts.

She is currently rehabilitating at the Ojai Raptor Center. Medical staff are testing for potential exposure to lead, zinc, and rodenticides while managing her anemia. Despite her injuries, reports suggest that the eagle is showing typical behavior by resisting handling, which caretakers interpret as a positive sign of her natural strength.

Observers became concerned about Jackie following the July 4th holiday when she began spending less time at the nest she shares with her partner, Shadow. Local monitors identified her only after reviewing footage, as the bird lacks identifying leg bands. Friends of Big Bear Valley noted that the fight likely stemmed from territorial disputes over fishing grounds.

While her partner Shadow remains at the nest to monitor their recently fledged offspring, Sandy and Luna, Jackie is expected to remain in professional care for several weeks. Wildlife experts are focusing on stabilizing her condition before considering a return to the wild. Community members are contributing to the costs of her medical care through donations to the rescue centers involved in her rehabilitation process.