In 2026, Big Bear’s famous eagle Jackie vanished from her nest cam; public videos helped identify her before rescuers found her injured near the lake

For years, millions of people had watched Jackie, a bald eagle nesting near Big Bear Lake in California, on a livestream focused on her nest. In July 2026, that familiar presence suddenly disappeared. Jackie was no longer appearing on the camera, leaving viewers wondering where the female eagle had gone. Days later, videos recorded by members of the public helped link a badly injured bald eagle found near the lake to the missing bird.According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, the organisation operating the livestream, an adult bald eagle was spotted on the ground near Big Bear Lake on July 16. The following day, witnesses recorded the bird involved in a brief confrontation with two younger eagles. Cellphone footage showed the adult defending itself with its talons but struggling to fly away. Rescuers eventually found the eagle in the water and brought it to the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team.From a livestream to a real-world searchFriends of Big Bear Valley set up their first nest cam in 2015 and later expanded the network to show a broader view of the surrounding area. The goal was to watch the wildlife without disturbing the birds and to make the nesting birds among the most closely observed in the valley. Over the years, the livestream also gave viewers a close look at the eagles that returned to the nest, making Jackie a familiar presence to a large online audience. That connection became important when an injured adult eagle was rescued, as there was initially no way to tell whether the bird was Jackie. Friends of Big Bear Valley asked people not to jump to any conclusions while the eagle was being rescued. The organisation later confirmed that the eagle was indeed Jackie.Jackie and her partner, Shadow, have nested there since 2016, according to the organisation’s history. Their nesting history included snowstorms, failed eggs, successful hatchings and chick development. In 2026, their eggs failed to hatch, adding another chapter to a story followed by a large online audience. The incident turned the livestream from a simple viewing tool into a source of valuable information. Although the nesting camera did not reveal Jackie’s location, the online community understood its importance.What rescuers foundThe eagle that had been rescued was weak and could not fly properly. Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation said the bird was stabilised before being sent to Ojai Raptor Centre for treatment. Preliminary tests did not reveal any signs of external damage, although the bird was lethargic and anaemic. Specialists believed the bird had been fighting with other eagles. The video from the mobile phone was especially valuable since it clearly showed the adult eagle defending itself from an attack. This explained why a bird that could still fly had been found on the ground and in the water.Research published in the Journal of Raptor Research provides context for encounters such as the one involving Jackie, examining the territorial behaviour and interactions of birds of prey. Bald eagles are closely associated with waterways because fish are an important part of their diet, while their nesting territories can be defended against other eagles. Jackie’s confrontation reflected the natural pressures wild eagles face, though the livestream made it unusually visible to viewers.Jackie’s final chapterAccording to the Ojai Raptor Centre and the Associated Press, Jackie received treatment for severe anaemia, including a blood transfusion and oxygen therapy. Her condition showed some improvement after the transfusion, but her health later deteriorated. She died on August 9, 2026, after more than three weeks of treatment at the centre. The news prompted an outpouring of grief from longtime viewers of the Big Bear livestream, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife took custody of her remains.Her story also highlighted how wildlife watching has changed in the digital age. The camera, originally set up to monitor the nest, drew a large audience that became familiar enough with the birds to notice when one was missing. After Jackie disappeared from the video, viewers did not know all the facts, but photos and videos from locals helped wildlife specialists identify the bird. The livestream could not help Jackie directly, but it documented her life and helped viewers piece together sightings near the end of her story.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.