Big Bear Eagle Jackie Stays Critical as Vets Probe Illness After July 17 Rescue
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 22
Big Bear Eagle Jackie Stays Critical as Vets Probe Illness After July 17 Rescue
3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 22
Summary
Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie remains in critical condition with severe anemia and kidney inflammation, and it is still too early to predict whether the Big Bear bald eagle will recover.
New video from July 17 shows Jackie grounded and fighting off two younger eagles near Big Bear Lake, reinforcing veterinarians' view that she was already weak before the territorial clash.
X-rays found no hooks, sinkers or other metal objects, while tests continue for lead, zinc and rodenticides as possible causes of the underlying illness.
Shadow is still caring for fledged eaglets Sandy and Luna, and rescuers say Jackie could need weeks or longer before any return to the wild.
Wildlife biologist Todd Katzner said toxins remain a major threat to eagles, citing research showing about 50% test positive for lead exposure and 89% for rodenticides.