Jackie's remains cremated as wildlife officials implement avian flu containment
Officials cremated Jackie's remains to prevent avian influenza spread among regional bird populations.
Event / Science
Jackie Bald Eagle Death
Jackie, a bald eagle hatched in 2012 in Big Bear Valley, California and watched by millions through livestream, died in August 2026 from highly pathogenic avian influenza. A necropsy report released on October 14, 2026 confirmed HPAI as the primary cause, with the virus causing severe stomach ulceration leading to internal bleeding, anemia, and bacterial sepsis.
2 reported locations
Daily activity
3 articles0 articles
2026-10-15 to 2026-10-28 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 15 Oct, 06:07 UTC
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What happened
Rat poison found in Jackie the bald eagle but ruled out as primary cause of death
Toxicology screening discovered brodifacoum (rat poison) in Jackie's liver along with other persistent environmental contaminants. However, authorities determined that the rat poison was not the primary cause of illness or death, as the necropsy did not find the uncontrolled bleeding typically associated with anticoagulant rodenticide.
Necropsy report on Jackie the bald eagle released by California wildlife authorities
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released a necropsy report on October 14, 2026, confirming that Jackie the bald eagle died from highly pathogenic avian influenza as the primary cause. The report documented that the bird suffered from multiple interconnected disease processes including a severe stomach ulcer, chronic gizzard disease, blood loss, anemia, and bacterial sepsis.
Jackie the bald eagle dies from highly pathogenic avian influenza
Jackie, a bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, California, died in August 2026 from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). A necropsy performed by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance revealed that the infection caused a severe stomach ulcer leading to internal bleeding, anemia, and bacterial sepsis. The eagle had been hospitalized and received a blood transfusion in July after being found weak and ill on the shoreline.
U.S. Forest Service installs webcam of Jackie the bald eagle creating global livestream
A U.S. Forest Service employee installed a webcam 120 feet up a tree overlooking Jackie's aerie to broadcast her life on YouTube. The livestream became a viral sensation, allowing millions of viewers worldwide to watch the eagle continuously and making Jackie an object of global fascination.
Jackie the bald eagle's remains cremated to prevent bird flu spread
Jackie's remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Eagle Repository to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Some supporters had unsuccessfully opposed this decision, arguing the eagle deserved special treatment such as taxidermy preservation.
Jackie the bald eagle's mate Shadow remains healthy in Big Bear
Jackie's longtime mate Shadow remains in Big Bear Valley and appears to be healthy. The pair had two eaglets together named Sandy and Luna, with no signs of illness reported in Shadow or the eaglets. Days after Jackie's death, Shadow was spotted in the company of a different female eagle.
Jackie the bald eagle hatched in 2012 as first eaglet in Big Bear Valley
Jackie was hatched in 2012 as the first eaglet born in Big Bear Valley, California. Her parents, Ricky and Lucy, were the first known adult eagles to remain in Big Bear Valley year-round rather than using it as a seasonal winter destination. She lived in the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Lake.
West Nile virus and heavy metals ruled out as factors in Jackie's death
Experts ruled out West Nile virus and heavy metals as contributing factors to Jackie the bald eagle's illness and death, based on testing and necropsy findings.
Jackie the bald eagle successfully raises eaglet Stormy in 2018
Jackie mated with an eagle named Mr. B in 2017. Their eggs hatched in 2018, with one eaglet dying after a 24-hour rainstorm while the other, named Stormy, survived and eventually left Big Bear that summer.
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2 alternative perspectives
Jackie the eagle's legacy lives on through decade-long livestream
Jackie's decade-long livestream created an unprecedented public record of wild bald eagle life and behavior.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza determined as cause of death
Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed as cause of Jackie the bald eagle's death.