Necropsy confirms bird flu caused death of Big Bear eagle Jackie

Key points

• Jackie died on August 10, 2026, after being found weak on the Big Bear Lake shoreline in July.
• The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced on October 14 that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the primary underlying cause of her decline.
• The virus caused an unusual presentation, resulting in severe stomach ulceration, persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and bacterial sepsis.
• Toxicology tests detected brodifacoum (rat poison) in her liver, but officials ruled it out as the primary cause of death.
• 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 shows no signs of illness, though he was recently seen with another female eagle.

Background

Jackie became a global sensation after a webcam installed by a U.S. Forest Service employee in 2023 livestreamed her life in Big Bear Valley. She was the first eaglet hatched in the area in 2012. In September 2026, a $5.5 million gift from Anna and Greg Brockman helped secure 63 acres of habitat at Big Bear Lake to protect eagle nesting sites. Jackie’s death in August 2026 sparked widespread public mourning and debate over the handling of her remains.

How outlets are covering it

The Los Angeles Times and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) emphasized the complex, multi-stage nature of Jackie’s illness, noting that while rat poison was present, it did not cause the uncontrolled bleeding typical of such exposure. The Ojai Raptor Center highlighted the collaborative effort of veterinary specialists to understand her condition. USA Today focused on the mystery of her illness, which had confounded doctors during her hospitalization, and noted her status as a viral sensation. The Victor Valley News Group (VVNG) detailed the specific medical complications, including heart inflammation and blood clots, and confirmed that Shadow and the eaglets are healthy. All sources agreed that HPAI was the primary cause of death and that her cremation was a necessary measure to prevent disease transmission.

Why it matters

Jackie’s death highlights the threat of avian influenza to raptors, which can contract the virus through contact with infected birds or prey. The case underscores the public’s deep emotional connection to wildlife and the importance of habitat conservation, as seen in the recent land purchase at Big Bear Lake. The findings may inform future care and treatment of other eagles and wildlife facing similar illnesses.

What to watch

The Ojai Raptor Center has updated its website with information about Jackie’s medical care and necropsy findings. CDFW stated that the results will help inform the care and treatment of other eagles and wildlife. Shadow remains in Big Bear Valley, and his future pairing with another female eagle will be monitored by the public and wildlife officials.