Necropsy reveals multiple factors behind death of viral Big Bear bald eagle Jackie

California wildlife officials released the results of a necropsy on the bald eagle popularly known as Jackie, which had lived in the Big Bear Valley and gained worldwide attention in 2023. The examination, performed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in partnership with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Ojai Raptor Center, identified several concurrent health issues.

The primary factor was an infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which caused an unusual stomach ulcer, leading to internal bleeding, anemia and bacterial sepsis, according to Steve Kubiski, director of disease investigations for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The report also noted chronic inflammation, secondary bacterial infection, blood clots and the presence of environmental contaminants, including traces of the rodenticide brodifacoum, in Jackie’s liver.

"Jackie's necropsy confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary underlying cause of her decline," Kubiski said.

"Together, the findings showed that Jackie was suffering from multiple severe and interconnected disease processes that had been developing over time and ultimately led to her decline and death," the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) said.

"We're grateful to everyone who cared for her and worked to support her well-being. Understanding the results of these tests is an important part of learning from this case and can help inform the care and treatment of other eagles and wildlife in the future," CDFW Director Meghan Hertel said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Eagle Repository cremated Jackie’s remains. Jackie and her partner, Shadow, had been featured on a livestream from the San Bernardino National Forest and had raised five eaglets before her death in August following an injury sustained during a fight with other birds.