One of Jackie and Shadow’s three chicks has died following a severe winter storm that dropped over two feet of snow in Big Bear, California. The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed the chick’s death on March 16, 2025, after it had not been seen since Thursday evening’s feeding.
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- One chick confirmed dead after winter storm.
- Fans mourn the loss of the eaglet.
- Live eagle cam attracts thousands of viewers.
- Jackie and Shadow are beloved bald eagles.
- Nature is wild and unscripted, says Friends.
The loss comes as a disappointment to the couple’s many fans who had celebrated the recent hatching of all three chicks. Volunteers noted that they could not identify which chick had died due to their similar sizes.
The recent death of one chick marks a tragic turn for Jackie and Shadow, who have garnered thousands of followers through their livestreamed nest. This year’s hatching was met with excitement as all three chicks were born successfully after previous seasons ended without any surviving offspring. During the last feeding before the storm, all three chicks were visible; however, by Friday morning only two remained in view.
Friends of Big Bear Valley reported that concerns arose among viewers about potential accidents involving the parents or other disturbances in the nest. However, they clarified that nothing large enough to be a chick was removed during this time. The organization expressed empathy towards fans mourning the loss and encouraged them to honor the deceased chick for its journey.
Despite this setback, observers noted that Jackie and Shadow continued caring for their remaining two eaglets amid ongoing snowfall. The couple remains under close watch by eagle enthusiasts worldwide who have become attached to their story over recent years.
This unfortunate event highlights both the fragility of wildlife and the emotional investment viewers have made in Jackie and Shadow’s lives. As fans continue to monitor developments at the nest, they are reminded that nature often presents unpredictable challenges.
