The Big Bear eagle family is safe.
Bald eagles Jackie and Shadow were reported to be back in their nesting area the morning after an Independence Day fireworks show, according to the environmental nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley.
Read more Thousands enjoy three simultaneous Fourth of July fireworks shows along Long Beach coastline
Jackie and Shadow’s 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna, stayed close to the nest and, at times, remained inside it throughout the fireworks show, the group confirmed on the morning of July 5. FBBV operates two nonstop camera feeds near the bald eagles’ nest and habitat, which have drawn worldwide attention.
The update comes less than 24 hours after the tourism organization Visit Big Bear’s “4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” show, approximately 2 miles from the nest area. The show lasted from 8:45 to 9:15 p.m.
“During the fireworks, both eaglets stayed on the nest,” Friends of Big Bear Valley media and website manager Jennifer Voisard said Sunday morning by text message.
“Luna was on the lower branch. Sandy was more visible to the cam,” Voisard said.
Jackie and Shadow, however, left their roost tree Saturday night as soon as the fireworks started, Voisard said.
Sandy and Luna were visible on FBBV’s second installed livestream cam by 5:41 a.m. Shadow returned to the nest Sunday morning at 6 a.m. with three recently caught fish. By 10:32 a.m., the nest’s matriarch bird, Jackie, was seen flying by and had returned to the nesting area.
The usual daily lives of some of Big Bear’s most famous residents seemed to have returned Sunday, easing concerns among people about how the pyrotechnic display would affect the birds.
Read more Sparks coach Lynne Roberts calls Kelsey Plum’s All-Star snub ‘ridiculous’
One month ago, an online Change.org petition was launched amid an ongoing debate over whether the fireworks would affect the eagles, urging Visit Big Bear and Big Bear leaders to relocate this year’s fireworks launch site or consider alternative celebrations, such as drone light shows. As of the morning of July 5, the petition had earned more than 45,400 signatures.
Big Bear CEO Travis Scott said on Friday, June 19, that 70% of the community’s tourism revenue comes during the snow season, from December to March. He noted that this season saw little snowfall, which affected local businesses. Scott said the fireworks show would be critical to bringing in much-needed revenue for the city.
Big Bear Bald Eagles, Sandy and Luna, seen here near their nesting area on the morning of July 5, 2026. (Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)
Big Bear Bald Eagle, Shadow, back in his nest with a recently caught fish on the morning of July 5, 2026. (Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)
Jackie, seen here on the morning of July 5, returned to her nesting area after fleeing during the Visit Big Bear’s fireworks show. (Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)
“Big Bear’s tourism ecosystem is fragile too, and the Fourth of July holiday is part of the broader effort to help our community recover heading into the summer season,” a Visit Big Bear statement read.
Big Bear Eagle fans have sounded off by the hundreds on FBBV Facebook, leaving comments or posting messages of relief.
“I am so happy this family made it through the fireworks and are fine. I was so worried,” Heidi Ridgely Nickell commented on a post on the FBBV Facebook page.
Read more U.S. star Folarin Balogun cleared to play vs. Belgium