Overview
- Rescuers found an adult bald eagle after a territorial fight with two subadult eagles on July 17, and Los Angeles County’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue stabilized the bird before transferring it to the Ojai Raptor Center.
- The Ojai Raptor Center identified the bird as patient 26-519 and said initial tests show severe anemia and inflammation affecting kidney function, prompting supportive care while specialists run more diagnostics.
- X-rays have shown no fishing hooks or metal objects, and veterinarians are specifically testing for lead, zinc and rodenticide exposure to explain the bird’s weakness.
- Friends of Big Bear Valley and rehab staff say the rescued bird is likely Jackie based on photos and absence from the nest, but they cannot confirm identity because she is not banded.
- Jackie’s mate Shadow is remaining at the Big Bear nest to tend the eaglets, rehabilitators ask the public not to contact hospital lines, and outcomes will depend on pending test results that may take weeks to interpret.