Injured Bald Eagle Rescued in Big Bear Believed to Be Jackie

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (KABC) — A bald eagle rescued in Big Bear Lake after an apparent clash with two other eagles is believed to be Jackie, the female half of the area’s closely followed bald eagle pair.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation said its San Dimas Raptor Rescue team responded early Saturday morning, recovered the injured bird and transported it to a rehabilitation facility for medical care. Officials did not immediately release details about the eagle’s condition.

According to a Facebook post from Friends of Big Bear Valley, the eagle was involved in an altercation with two other eagles at Dana Point Park. Cellphone video reviewed by the nonprofit showed the bird “was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly far away.”

The rescue quickly prompted speculation among viewers who follow Big Bear’s famous eagle nest online. Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie had not been seen for several days at the nest she shares with her mate, Shadow, which the organization monitors through a live camera. Because Jackie is not banded, the group initially could not confirm the rescued eagle’s identity.

By late Sunday night, however, the nonprofit shared an update saying “it is apparent that the rescued eagle is likely Jackie.”

“She is in the best place she can be and getting the care she needs. We have not received any updates but were assured by the facility they will contact us when they have information,” the post read.