Jackie the bald eagle in critical condition following attack. Here’s the latest on her recovery

Jackie, one of Big Bear’s beloved bald eagles, remained in “critical” condition Wednesday as wildlife officials worked to treat “severe” anemia and inflammation infecting her kidneys after she was reportedly attacked by a pair of subadult bald eagles on Big Bear Lake’s north shore last week.

Wildlife experts determined Jackie sustained no serious injuries in the attack, but said she still suffering from these other health issues.

Ojai Raptor Center, which is in charge of Jackie’s care, said in a Tuesday evening update that they’re still working to determine the underlying cause of her illness, and additional bloodwork and diagnostic test results are pending. They’re waiting on results for any sign of lead, zinc and rodenticide.

X-rays showed no signs of fishing hooks, sinkers, or other metal objects in her body.

Their veterinary team has begun supportive treatment in the meantime, based on the information currently available about her condition, and are collaborating with wildlife professionals from around the world.

The center says her condition remains critical and this is “still a very serious case.”

“Wildlife medicine takes time, and some answers simply cannot be rushed,” Ojai Raptor Center said.

While it is still too early to predict the outcome, the good news is that Jackie is making progress. She’s alert, energetic and eating, according to Ojai Raptor Center said. She’s also standing up and perching.

“We loved hearing that Jackie has more energy this morning,” Friends of Big Bear Valley said Tuesday. “She is mad and fighting the staff… That’s our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle! She is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own.” She is still standing up and perching.”

What happened to Jackie?

On July 17, a bald eagle later identified as Jackie was observed on the ground near Dana Point Park on Big Bear Lake’s north shore. Later, the eagle was seen in a short ground altercation with two other subadult eagles.

Cellphone video reportedly confirmed that she was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using her talons, but was unable to fly far away.

Friends of Big Bear Valley, which operates the famous eagle nest cam featuring Jackie and her mate, Shadow, said locals and visitors stayed in the area where Jackie was originally grounded to keep an eye on her and contacted several agencies for help, initially with no response.

One individual went to the local San Bernardino County fire station in Fawnskin and reported the situation, FOBBV said, and crews there were able to notify L.A. County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue.

The fire crew reportedly stayed with Jackie to protect her from other wildlife and human interference for several hours until the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team arrived.

She was picked up by San Dimas Raptor Rescue on July 18 and transferred to Ojai Raptor Center for care on Saturday.

How are Shadow and the eaglets?

Jackie is one half of Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle couple, which also includes Shadow, made famous by environmental nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley’s live eagle cam.

Jackie and Shadow have been together since 2018, and are currently rearing two eaglets named Sandy and Luna, who recently took their first flight.

The pair remains separated as Jackie recovers from her injuries and receives treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center.

Shadow continues to care for eaglets Sandy and Luna while protecting the nest and territory, FOBBV said.

Live video from the eagle cam Tuesday afternoon showed Shadow calling out, possibly for his mate, who has been missing from the nest for nearly a week.

Jackie and Shadow successfully hatched and raised eaglets Sunny and Gizmo in 2025 but are no stranger to tragedy.

In 2025, they suffered the loss of an eaglet during a storm. They also had two eggs destroyed by ravens in a 2026 attack.

How to help

The eagle couple and the organizations caring for Jackie have received an outpouring of support as Jackie recovers.

The Ojai Raptor Center received thousands in donations from over 11,000 supporters to help fund her care. You can make a donation here.

You can also make a donation to Friends of Big Bear Valley here, and the San Dimas Raptor Rescue here.

Donations not only support Jackie, but also all the raptors that pass through their doors.

“Thank you for your support, well wishes to Jackie and the entire eagle family,” FOBBV said.

Are eagle fights common?

Ojai Raptor Center said territorial disputes are a normal part of the life of most birds of prey, including bald eagles like Jackie.

Breeding raptors require territories that provide suitable nesting sites and reliable food resources. Once a territory is established, it’s actively defended from other adults that may attempt to claim it.

Conflicts can occur as younger birds reach breeding age, or when another adult attempts to take over an occupied territory. These disputes may involve aerial chases, talon-grappling and physical attacks, Ojai Raptor Center says.

In some cases, the injuries sustained can be fatal.

While the encounters can be difficult to witness, wildlife experts say they’re a natural consequence of competition for limited breeding territories and an important part of raptor ecology.

They’re natural behaviors that evolved because they help determine which individuals successfully secure territories and reproduce.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.