Jackie, a famed bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, is experiencing a decline after what rescuers say was an attack by two other eagles. New tests show her anemia has worsened despite more than two weeks of treatment; veterinarians are performing additional diagnostics. She received a blood transfusion and oxygen therapy and shows some encouraging signs but remains a seriously ill patient. The Ojai Raptor Center has cautioned the public against misinformation and asked that the care team not be disturbed by excessive inquiries.
Beloved Big Bear Eagle Jackie’s Health Declines After Suspected Eagle Attack
California’s beloved bald eagle Jackie suffers health setback after suspected attack
Jackie, a well-known bald eagle from California’s Big Bear Valley, has suffered a health setback after rescuers say she was attacked by two other eagles. The Ojai Raptor Center, which is treating Jackie, reported that new blood tests show her anemia has worsened after more than two weeks of veterinary care.
Ongoing Diagnostics and Care
The center said its veterinary team is running additional diagnostic tests to better understand Jackie’s condition and guide treatment decisions. Initial bloodwork showed severe anemia and kidney inflammation. Caregivers began supportive treatment immediately and consulted wildlife specialists worldwide to determine the underlying cause.
Jackie, believed to be around 14 years old, had been attacked by two other eagles (LA County Parks and Recreation)
Treatments Administered
On July 20, Jackie received a blood transfusion from another eagle and underwent oxygen therapy. Staff have continued daily monitoring with blood tests and provided intensive supportive care. She was also treated for potential rodenticide exposure, though caregivers do not believe poisoning is the primary cause.
"At this stage, we do not have further answers to share, but we promise to keep you informed as soon as we have meaningful new information," the Ojai Raptor Center wrote, thanking supporters for their continued encouragement and support.
What Investigations Have Found
The Ojai Raptor Center reported that tests have ruled out several possible causes, including lead poisoning, cancer and injuries from metal objects. Veterinarians continue to investigate why Jackie developed severe anemia and kidney inflammation after being rescued July 17 near Big Bear Lake, where she was found grounded after an apparent scuffle with two subadult eagles over a fish.
Jackie became famous in the early-to-mid 2010s from her appearances on Big Bear Valley's Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam (Ojai Raptor Center)
Condition And Public Response
Despite the seriousness of her condition, staff have noted encouraging signs: Jackie has been alert, eating with assistance and even picking up food on her own, and has been standing and perching. The Big Bear Valley fan community has followed Jackie for years after she first rose to prominence through the 24/7 Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Nest Cam.
The Ojai Raptor Center urged the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation and warned against AI-generated deepfakes about Jackie’s condition. Staff asked people to respect the care team’s time and privacy, noting that a flood of calls, messages and unplanned visits — including contacts to staff members’ personal accounts and homes — has distracted from patient care.
Wildlife medicine requires concentration, careful decision making, and often long hours of uninterrupted work. Every unnecessary interruption takes time and focus away from the animals depending on us, the center said.
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