The nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley has confirmed the death of an eaglet that recently hatched in the Big Bear Lake Forest area, located about a hundred miles northeast of Los Angeles. The eaglet's demise was discovered as the snow began to melt after a winter storm swept through the region. Jackie and Shadow, a pair of bald eagles, had welcomed three eaglets earlier this month in the same nest, which has been closely monitored by the preservation group since 2016 through a dedicated webcam.
The organization noted that the eaglet was last seen alive being fed at approximately 6 p.m. PT on Thursday. Unfortunately, the severe storm that hit the area dropped two feet of snow, causing damage to some of the group's lighting and sound equipment. The webcam, set up by Friends of Big Bear Valley, has played a crucial role in documenting the lives of Jackie and Shadow, who have gained a significant online following over the years.
Jackie and Shadow have experienced both joy and loss in recent years. They successfully hatched chicks in 2019 and 2022, but also suffered the loss of eggs in 2023 and 2024. Despite the recent tragedy, Jackie and Shadow continue to care for their remaining two eaglets, who are reportedly doing well. The organization expressed appreciation for the resilience of the surviving eaglets and the ongoing dedication of their parents.
"Even when nature is difficult to watch, and sometimes even harder to understand, we must trust that it has its reasons," stated a representative from Friends of Big Bear Valley.
"In the midst of the sadness, we want to honor the life of this chick for its courage in getting as far as it did and for the joy it brought to us in its short time here."
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