Necropsy reveals bird flu, not rat poison, caused death of Big Bear's Jackie

Key points

• Jackie died on August 10, 2026, after a weeks-long illness that baffled veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center.
• The necropsy, conducted by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, identified HPAI as the primary underlying cause of her decline.
• The virus caused an uncommon presentation, resulting in severe ulcers in her gizzard, persistent internal bleeding, and secondary bacterial infections.
• Toxicology tests detected brodifacoum (rat poison) and heavy metals, but these were not linked to the disease progression or primary cause of death.
• Jackie's remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prevent the transmission of the virus.
• Her mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear Valley with no evidence of illness, according to camera monitoring.

Background

Jackie and her partner Shadow became internet sensations after a nest camera was installed in 2015 by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley. For over a decade, millions of viewers watched their breeding cycles, successes, and failures. The American bald eagle population had previously recovered from near-extinction following the ban of DDT in the 1970s. Jackie was approximately 14 years old at the time of her death.

How outlets are covering it

While all sources agree that HPAI was the primary cause of death, they differ on the scientific implications. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and KSL focus on the confirmed medical findings and the cremation process. The Washington Post highlights the public emotional response and the tragic loss of a beloved symbol. USA Today emphasizes the scientific mystery, noting that HPAI was not widely circulating in Southern California at the time, making Jackie's infection an anomaly. Dr. William Bowerman, cited by USA Today, suggests the virus may have been dormant or presented unusually, providing unique data for wildlife experts.

Why it matters

This case highlights the unpredictable nature of avian influenza in raptor populations. Although HPAI is not currently causing a widespread outbreak in California, Jackie's death demonstrates that the virus can manifest in atypical ways, complicating diagnosis and treatment. The findings may inform future veterinary care for eagles and other wildlife exposed to the virus.

What to watch

The necropsy results have been shared with wildlife agencies to improve the care of other eagles. There is no immediate threat to Shadow or the local eagle population, as no active outbreak is present in the area. Researchers will continue to analyze the data from Jackie's case to understand the unusual presentation of HPAI.