Veterinarians and wildlife officials revealed on October 14, 2026, that Jackie, the globally followed Big Bear bald eagle, died in August from highly pathogenic avian influenza that triggered an uncommon stomach ulcer, internal bleeding, and bacterial sepsis after a weeks-long struggle at the Ojai Raptor Center.
Avian Influenza Diagnosis and Complex Decline at Ojai Raptor Center
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released the findings alongside veterinary pathologists from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and staff at the Ojai Raptor Center, where the raptor spent her final weeks under intensive care. Jackie entered the rehabilitation facility in July after being found grounded near the Big Bear Lake shoreline following an altercation with two subadult eagles. While veterinarians initially treated her for severe anemia and other mounting ailments, the necropsy and subsequent laboratory tests traced her deterioration to an infectious virus.
“Jackie’s necropsy confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary underlying cause of her decline." Necropsy results released Wednesday provided some long-awaited answers about the illness that led to the death of Jackie the beloved Big Bear bald eagle… pic.twitter.com/cOmOQwgC16
Jackie’s necropsy confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary underlying cause of her decline.
Steve Kubiski, Director of Disease Investigations, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
According to the diagnostic findings, the viral infection manifested in an unusual way by producing a severe ulcer within the muscular portion of her stomach, known as the gizzard or ventriculus. That damaged tissue generated persistent internal bleeding and severe anemia, while also allowing bacteria to enter her system and cause secondary bacterial sepsis.
Ruling Out Rodenticides and Detailing Contaminant Findings
Before the necropsy results were finalized, observers and wildlife supporters wondered whether rat poison or swallowed fishing gear contributed to her sudden deterioration. Toxicology screening confirmed that Jackie was negative for West Nile Virus, heavy metals were within acceptable limits, and the internal examination did not show the uncontrolled bleeding typically associated with rodenticide poisoning. However, testing did detect traces of brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rodenticide, in her liver, though officials concluded it was not the primary cause of illness or death.
Additional laboratory work showed that genetic material from the avian influenza virus was present across multiple tissues. Chris Eksteen, Executive Director of Ojai Raptor Center, noted that the necropsy results successfully bridged the gap between the symptoms observed during treatment and the underlying pathology.
Global Following and the Current Status of Shadow and the Nest
Jackie earned worldwide renown through the 24/7 livestream camera maintained by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, drawing millions of viewers who watched her and her mate, Shadow, from above Big Bear Lake. Following her death in August, local supporters honored her memory through community gatherings, including an event in Big Bear and events in Fawnskin.
Wildlife authorities confirmed that Shadow remains in the Big Bear Valley area. Camera data and state monitoring indicate no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets, Sandy and Luna, contracted the illness. In the months following Jackie’s passing, observers noted that Shadow has been seen interacting with a new female eagle.