Big Bear Lake mourns Jackie the bald eagle as community remembers her lasting impact

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (KESQ) — A somber mood settled over Big Bear Lake Monday as residents and visitors mourned the loss of Jackie, a bald eagle who became a beloved part of the mountain community and attracted followers from around the world.

Jackie died after weeks of treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center. She was found injured on the ground in Big Bear Lake following a confrontation with two other eagles.

News of her death quickly spread through the community, with people leaving flowers and photos at a growing memorial near the lake.

Debbie Mills, who moved to Big Bear Lake in 2015, said she felt compelled to pay tribute after learning Jackie had died.

“When I heard of the passing today I just felt in my heart I wanted to lay some flowers,” Mills said.

Mills said Jackie became more than just a bald eagle to people who followed her story. She believes Jackie helped bring the community together over the years.

“I know we’ve grown as a community,” Mills said.

Jackie’s story reached well beyond Big Bear Lake. Her life with fellow bald eagle Shadow and their nesting activity attracted a large online following, with people around the world watching their story unfold.

“I started following Jackie through Instagram online and immediately she just got the heart of all of us,” one visitor from Utah said. “Watching the story unfold, a beautiful experience.”

For others, Jackie represented something larger.

“Bald eagle is a representation of our country,” another person said.

Others remembered seeing Jackie flying around the lake and said they admired Jackie’s strength and resilience.

“She’s just… her bravery and strength and powerful and beautiful,” one person said.

As the community continues to mourn, people are also expressing gratitude to the wildlife professionals who worked to save Jackie.

“It’s nature and we have to respect that and the people that saved her, God bless their souls,” Mills said. “Just to thank Ojai Raptor Center for taking such good care of her.”

Jackie’s remains are expected to be transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.