Big Bear eagle presumed to be Jackie stable after being rescued following fight
A beloved bald eagle believed to be Jackie, one half of Big Bear's famous bald eagle pair, is stable after being rescued following a fight with two other eagles, according to the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley.
The environmental education and advocacy group, which operates the popular Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, said Monday that the eagle is receiving care at a wildlife rehabilitation facility and is awaiting diagnostic results that could take several days.
"We have been in contact with the rehab facility this morning. Jackie is stable and they are waiting on diagnostic results that can take several days," the nonprofit wrote in a Facebook update. "When we have additional information, we will post it here. Jackie is a strong eagle and we as a community will get through this."
Friends of Big Bear Valley initially said it could not confirm the rescued eagle's identity because Jackie is not banded. After reviewing photos and videos from the public and the rehabilitation facility, however, the nonprofit said it believes the bird is likely Jackie.
"We have received a good number of videos and pictures from the public and the initial rehab center and it is apparent that the rescued eagle is likely Jackie," the group wrote in an earlier Facebook post Monday. "She is in the best place she can be and getting the care she needs."
The eagle was rescued Saturday by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation's San Dimas Raptor Rescue team after an adult bald eagle was involved in what Friends of Big Bear Valley described as a "short ground altercation" with two "subadult eagles" near Dana Point Park, according to the group's previous Facebook post.
The nonprofit said cellphone video showed the eagle fending off the other birds by turning over and using its talons, but it was unable to fly far away.
The injured eagle was subsequently taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility for treatment.
Jackie and her mate, Shadow, have become internet favorites through the nonprofit's livestream, which has followed the pair as they raised their eaglets, Sandy and Luna.
As Jackie recovers, Shadow has continued to care for the young eagles and defend their nest.
"Shadow is an excellent mate and father, he continues to care for Sandy and Luna while protecting the nest and territory," Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote on Facebook.
The nonprofit thanked supporters for their well-wishes and said it will provide additional updates as Jackie's diagnostic results become available.
