Quick answer: Jackie, the widely watched bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, died in August 2026. A necropsy and follow-up testing announced October 14 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Ojai Raptor Center identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called bird flu, as the primary underlying cause of her decline. The infection contributed to severe stomach ulceration, internal bleeding, anemia and a secondary bacterial infection.
Updated October 15, 2026 | By Shivam Das
For years, people across the United States followed Jackie and her mate, Shadow, through a live camera overlooking their nest near Big Bear Lake in Southern California. The unedited stream made ordinary wildlife moments—nest building, storms, egg incubation and raising eaglets—feel unusually close. The latest medical findings now provide a clearer answer to a question that remained unresolved after Jackie’s death in August.
What the new necropsy found
In its October 14 release, CDFW said testing confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza as the primary underlying cause of Jackie’s decline. Veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance performed the necropsy, with additional testing conducted by partner laboratories.
Officials described an uncommon presentation of the infection. Severe ulceration in the muscular part of the stomach, known as the ventriculus or gizzard, led to persistent internal bleeding and severe anemia. The damaged tissue also allowed a secondary bacterial infection to develop into sepsis. Investigators reported inflammation and blood clots in the heart and major blood vessels as part of a complex, interconnected set of illnesses.
Did rat poison cause Jackie’s death?
Testing detected brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rodenticide, in Jackie’s liver. But the official findings did not identify it as the primary cause of her illness or death. CDFW said the necropsy did not find the uncontrolled bleeding pattern typically associated with anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning. That distinction matters: the detection of a chemical is not, by itself, proof that it caused an animal’s death.
The report instead identified HPAI as the primary underlying cause, alongside other serious medical conditions. The evidence should not be simplified into a claim that rat poison killed Jackie.
What does bird flu mean for Shadow and the other eagles?
As of the October 14 agency update, officials said camera data provided no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets were sick. That is a statement about the available observations, not a guarantee that wildlife can never be exposed. HPAI circulates among wild bird populations, and eagles and other raptors can be exposed through contact with infected birds or by eating infected prey.
People should not approach wild eagles, nests or injured birds. Keep a safe distance and contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed rehabilitator if an eagle appears sick or grounded. The nest’s exact location should be respected to avoid disturbance.
Why Jackie’s story reached so many Americans
The nest camera, installed by Friends of Big Bear Valley in 2015, gave viewers a rare, continuous look at wild bald eagles without turning their lives into a scripted show. People watched successful nesting seasons as well as failed eggs, storms and other setbacks. That unscripted access built an audience invested in the birds’ welfare, not simply in dramatic clips.
Jackie’s story also reflects the broader recovery of bald eagles in the United States after historic population declines linked to DDT and other pressures. The species’ recovery does not remove today’s risks. Habitat loss, environmental contaminants and infectious disease remain reasons for careful monitoring and conservation.
Watch the official Big Bear eagle camera
Friends of Big Bear Valley operates the nest and wide-view cameras. Its official livestreams remain a way to follow the habitat while respecting the birds’ distance and welfare. The footage is not a live view of Jackie, who died in August; it documents the nest and the eagles that may visit it.
What we know—and what we should not assume
- Confirmed: The October 14, 2026 CDFW update identified HPAI as the primary underlying cause of Jackie’s decline.
- Confirmed: Severe stomach ulceration, internal bleeding, anemia and secondary bacterial sepsis were part of the disease process.
- Important qualification: Brodifacoum was detected, but officials did not identify it as the primary cause of death.
- Current official observation: CDFW said there was no camera evidence that Shadow or the eaglets were sick.
- Not established: The findings do not prove that every eagle in the area is infected, nor do they establish that rodenticide was the primary cause.
Frequently asked questions
When did Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle die?
Jackie died in August 2026 after receiving intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center. The latest necropsy findings were released on October 14, 2026.
What was Jackie’s cause of death?
California wildlife officials identified highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, as the primary underlying cause of her decline. The infection was associated with severe stomach ulceration, internal bleeding, anemia and secondary bacterial sepsis.
Was rat poison responsible for Jackie’s death?
Brodifacoum was detected in her liver, but the necropsy did not identify it as the primary cause. Officials said the evidence instead pointed to HPAI and multiple interconnected medical conditions.
Is Shadow sick?
In its October 14 update, CDFW said camera data provided no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets were sick. That reflects the available observations and should not be read as a universal guarantee about wildlife health.
Can I still watch the Big Bear eagle cam?
Yes. Friends of Big Bear Valley continues to provide public nest and habitat camera streams. Jackie is no longer alive, so current footage should not be described as a live view of her.
Where can I read the official findings?
Read the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s October 14 news release and the Ojai Raptor Center’s Jackie patient page.
Sources and further reading
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Necropsy findings, October 14, 2026
- Ojai Raptor Center: Patient 26-519, known publicly as Jackie
- Friends of Big Bear Valley: Official eagle information and livestreams
- Associated Press: Bird flu caused Jackie’s death
Author: Shivam Das
