Big Bear bald eagle Jackie's cause of death revealed
Key Points:
- Jackie, a viral bald eagle from California's Big Bear Valley, died in August due to multiple severe health conditions, including a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infection, according to a necropsy report.
- The avian flu caused a severe stomach ulcer, leading to internal bleeding, anemia, bacterial sepsis, and secondary infections, contributing to her decline.
- Toxicology tests revealed environmental contaminants and traces of the rodenticide brodifacoum in Jackie's liver, indicating exposure to harmful substances.
- Jackie was injured in a fight with other birds prior to her death, and her remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Eagle Repository.
- Jackie and her mate Shadow gained worldwide attention in 2023 through a livestream by Friends of Big Bear Valley, where they successfully raised five eaglets.