Tragedy Strikes: Mystery Surrounds Disappearance of Baby Eagle Amid Snowstorm at Big Bear Nest
A severe snowstorm in Big Bear, California, on March 14, 2025, has left wildlife enthusiasts heartbroken as one of three eaglets from the famous bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, vanished from their nest.
Speculation abounds about the eaglet’s fate, with theories ranging from accidental dislodgement by a parent to burial in snow, though obscured views and harsh weather complicate confirmation
In the serene yet rugged mountains of Big Bear, California, a heart-wrenching mystery unfolded on March 14, 2025, casting a shadow over the iconic bald eagle nest of Jackie and Shadow. This beloved eagle pair, known for their resilience and dedication, had recently welcomed three eaglets into their snowy sanctuary. However, a brutal snowstorm—bringing heavy snowfall and fierce winds—has left only two eaglets visible in the nest, sparking widespread concern among wildlife observers and conservationists.
The drama began when morning observations on Friday revealed that one of the three eaglets, hatched just days earlier, was missing during a routine feeding. The last sighting of all three chicks was the previous evening, but by Friday morning, only two could be seen huddled in the nest bowl, sheltered by their vigilant parents. The storm, which dumped up to two feet of snow in the San Bernardino mountains, has not only obscured parts of the nest but also intensified the challenges of survival for these fragile young birds.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the region’s unique wildlife and maintaining the live nest camera since 2015, reported the disappearance with a mix of hope and uncertainty. “We are observers of nature and do not know the entirety of the current situation,” the group stated, emphasizing the difficulty in assessing the nest due to snow-covered obstructions. Some viewers have speculated that the missing eaglet might have been accidentally caught on a parent’s talon and flung from the nest, while others believe it could be buried in the snow at the nest’s edge, with a faint beak possibly visible on the right side. However, no definitive evidence has emerged, leaving the fate of the eaglet shrouded in mystery.
The timing of this tragedy is particularly poignant, as the snowstorm arrived just as the third eaglet hatched on March 8, completing Jackie and Shadow’s brood. Earlier reports from Friends of Big Bear Valley highlighted the parents’ tireless efforts to shield their chicks from the cold, with Jackie spending hours perched in the nest to provide warmth and protection. Despite their dedication, the extreme weather—marked by high winds and plummeting temperatures—may have overwhelmed even these seasoned survivors. Experts note that bald eaglets, lacking waterproof feathers and down until about six weeks after hatching, are especially vulnerable to such harsh conditions, with only about 50% of eggs successfully hatching and 70% of eaglets surviving their first year, according to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Big Bear bald eagle nest, a global focal point for wildlife enthusiasts, has drawn attention to the delicate balance of nature in this pristine region of the San Bernardino National Forest. Jackie and Shadow, resident eagles since their pairing, have become symbols of resilience, with previous nesting attempts documented by the live camera. This incident, however, underscores the unpredictable challenges of wildlife conservation, particularly as climate change intensifies extreme weather events like this snowstorm. The loss of even one eaglet represents a significant blow to the local population, which has only recently seen the return of nesting bald eagles to these mountains—a historic milestone celebrated by conservationists.
As the snow continues to blanket Big Bear, Jackie and Shadow remain steadfast, tending to their remaining eaglets with unwavering dedication. Wildlife observers are urged to stay tuned for updates, with Friends of Big Bear Valley encouraging the public to sign up for email alerts and watch the live stream for any signs of the missing eaglet. For now, the community holds its breath, hoping for a miracle amidst the snow, while grappling with the harsh realities of nature’s unforgiving cycles. This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the fragile beauty of wildlife and the urgent need to protect these majestic creatures in an increasingly unpredictable world.