Jackie and Shadow's eaglets at risk from Fourth of July fireworks, petition says

USA Today

2 days ago

The California group that oversees a famous eagle family is warning officials about the danger fireworks could cause the new eaglets ahead of Fourth of July.
Nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, which runs a 24-hour live feed monitoring the eagles, expressed concerns about an upcoming fireworks display in Big Bear Lake, California. In a Facebook post Monday, June 30, the group emphasized the impact that fireworks have on the environment and wildlife, including sister eaglets Gizmo and Sunny and their parents Jackie and Shadow.
The organization also highlighted a Change.org petition with more than 30,000 signatures calling for the outright cancelation of the July 4 firework show to protect the family and other wildlife.
"The loud and frightening explosions of fireworks can spook [eagles], causing them to flee their nests, potentially into situations fraught with danger," the petition said. "This not only jeopardizes their immediate safety but could also lead to them leaving the area permanently, which would be a tragic loss for our community."
The Friends of Big Bear Valley explained that Sunny and Gizmo are specifically at risk after just learning to fly.
"Shadow and Jackie leaving at this time of training and growth for Sunny and Gizmo could be especially devastating to the juveniles' long and short-term development and chances of survival," Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote on Facebook. "Eagles and especially juveniles have very poor night vision and being startled into flight at night is very dangerous."
Their petition added that eagles don't naturally fly after dark.
"We will be holding high hope for the safety of Jackie, Shadow, Sunny and Gizmo and all the rest of nature's beautiful creatures," Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote. "Please join me in hoping for their safety and protection."
Firework show to continue amid concerns
Despite concerns for wildlife, Visit Big Bear will continue to host its 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in the city.
Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott emphasized that its role is to balance and prioritize tradition, community celebration, wildlife stewardship and the tourism-driven local economy
"The board looked at what that firework show [brought] to support our local businesses, our restaurants, our lodging and just overall jobs in our community," Scott told the Palm Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The town generally attracts 100,000 visitors for the Fourth of July and numerous community organizations are involved in the 4th of July Spectacular, according to Scott. He added that local partners and government agencies help organize the fireworks shows with "wildlife and fire safety in mind."
"What makes Big Bear Lake a special place is our rich, diverse ecosystem and obviously our resident bald eagles have become the iconic symbol of that," Scott said. "What our organization strives to look at is that they're a part of a larger natural balance that we work hard to respect year-round and we do promote environmental education and stewardship and that is also very important to us. The co-existence of the fireworks and the eagles is not a new phenomenon."
Scott described two previous instances in which he said they've worked with Friends of Big Bear Valley: Canceling Memorial Day fireworks in 2022 and doing a drone show instead of fireworks for Labor Day in 2023.
"I believe that the board and the community will take these concerns that are presented from outside our community under advisement," Scott said in response to whether any changes would be made to future fireworks displays in the area.
Jackie and Shadow disappeared for days in previous years
Friends of Big Bear Valley attached a presentation to their Facebook post that documented previous instances of how the eagles have responded to fireworks.
Following Fourth of July fireworks in 2022, Jackie and Shadow weren't seen or heard for six days. The mating pair were also not seen or heard for three days after Fourth of July fireworks the following year, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service echoed Friends of Big Bear Valley over how fireworks can cause wildlife to flee, "ending up in unexpected areas or roadways, flying into buildings and other obstacles."
Who are Sunny and Gizmo?
Sunny and Gizmo were two of three hatchlings born to Jackie and Shadow in March 2025.
A third eaglet, named Misty in honor of a former volunteer, died after a snowstorm hit the area.
But Jackie and Shadow have been able to make sure Sunny and Gizmo are healthy and happy. Both sisters completed their first flights last month.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at [e-mail].
Anthony Robledo covers national trending news at USA TODAY. Reach him at [e-mail].