Necropsy confirms bird flu, not rat poison, killed Big Bear eagle Jackie

Key points

• Jackie died on August 10, 2026, after being found weak on the shoreline of Big Bear Lake in July.
• The necropsy, conducted by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, identified HPAI as the primary underlying cause of her decline.
• The virus caused a severe ulcer in her ventriculus (gizzard), leading to persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and bacterial sepsis.
• Toxicology tests detected brodifacoum (rat poison) and environmental contaminants, but investigators ruled out West Nile virus and heavy metal poisoning.
• Jackie's remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Eagle Repository to prevent the spread of HPAI.
• Her mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear Valley and appears healthy, with no evidence of illness in him or their eaglets.

Background

Jackie and her mate Shadow became globally famous in 2023 through a livestream operated by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley. They welcomed five eaglets together. Jackie's death in August 2026 sparked widespread public concern and questions about her health. The necropsy results, released this week, provide the first official explanation for her decline and death.

How outlets are covering it

All sources agree that HPAI was the primary cause of Jackie's death. ABC News and the Los Angeles Times emphasize the complex, interconnected nature of her illness, including the stomach ulcer and secondary infections. WJLA highlights that rat poison was found but ruled out as the primary cause. The CDFW statement provides the most detailed medical findings, including the specific involvement of the ventriculus and the absence of uncontrolled bleeding typically associated with anticoagulant rodenticides. The Los Angeles Times also notes that some fans had previously opposed sending Jackie's remains to the National Eagle Repository, arguing for taxidermy preservation instead.

Why it matters

The necropsy results provide crucial information for understanding the impact of HPAI on raptors and other wildlife. The findings may inform future care and treatment of bald eagles and other birds affected by avian influenza. Jackie's death also underscores the public's deep connection to wildlife and the importance of protecting their habitats.

What to watch

Wildlife officials hope the findings will help improve the treatment and protection of other bald eagles and wildlife. Shadow remains in Big Bear Valley and has been joined by another female eagle, KD1, or 'Katie.' There is no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets were sick.