The death of Jackie, the world-famous bald eagle from Big Bear, has sparked a debate over where her remains should go. Fans of the raptor, known for her popular livestream, have launched petitions to keep her in the Big Bear Valley. Supporters of this push suggest a taxidermy display could serve as a memorial for the public. However, many others argue that her remains should follow the standard procedure for all bald eagles in the United States.
Most recovered eagle carcasses are sent to the National Eagle Repository. This facility was established in the early 1970s to provide federally recognized Native American tribes with eagle feathers and parts for religious use. Advocates for this path note that the facility exists to restore traditional connections between tribes and these birds, which were severed by federal laws passed in the 1940s and 1960s.
The conflict highlights the tension between public attachment to wild animals and established legal protocols meant to honor Indigenous rights. Some observers argue that granting an exception for a famous animal sets a difficult precedent. They contend that the repository serves a specific, vital purpose that should not be set aside because of social media fame.
Meanwhile, the nonprofit behind the nest livestream, Friends of Big Bear Valley, supports sending the remains to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The tribe was historically displaced from the region. While the nonprofit does not have final authority on the decision, they hope to avoid further conflict as the public continues to react to the news of the eagle's passing.