The Internet’s Most Famous Bald Eagles Face a New Threat in Big Bear

Jackie and Shadow may be the most famous bald eagles in the world thanks to the 24/7 nest camera trained on their treetop home. They also enjoy some of the best views, with the expansive Big Bear Lake stretching more than 140 feet below their nest.

For ten years, the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) has sponsored and managed the live stream, sharing the famous eagle couple’s attempts at rearing their young high in the treetops of the San Bernardino National Forest. While other eagle pairs called the nest home in earlier years, Jackie and Shadow have been the exclusive residents since 2019.

Some breeding seasons have been more successful than others. To date, Jackie and Shadow have successfully fledged four eaglets: Simba in 2019, Spirit in 2022, and Sunny and Gizmo in 2025. The couple recently made news when their nest of freshly laid eggs was attacked by ravens while the eagle parents were away. None of the eggs survived.

Many of the challenges faced by Jackie and Shadow, as well as other eagles that seasonally inhabit Big Bear Valley, are related to weather. Early-season snowstorms and other extreme weather are a significant threat to eagles trying to hatch and fledge their young in the high treetop nests. Now, Jackie and Shadow face a different kind of threat.

Changes in the Valley May Impact Jackie and Shadow

Developers have been eyeing a parcel of land less than one mile from the beloved bald eagles’ nest. The Moon Camp Housing Development is a planned gated luxury housing and marina development near the north end of Big Bear Lake. The development would introduce 50 new homes and boat slips to currently undisturbed land in the Fawnskin area.

FOBBV, along with environmentalists and residents of the Big Bear area, oppose the development and have been fighting it for years. Opponents cite environmental destruction, increased noise pollution, congestion, and an adverse impact on the wildlife in the area as their primary concerns.

From a wildlife perspective, the land in question is where Jackie and Shadow perch and forage. According to a FOBBV social media post, it is also home to a rare and endangered plant species. One of the biggest opponents of the project was Sandy Steers, one of the founders of FOBBV.

The Eagles Lose a Key Advocate

Sandy Steers was the Executive Director of FOBBV for more than 20 years, until her death on February 11, 2026. She was the driving force behind the launch of the first eagle nest livestream camera in 2015.

Known among her friends and colleagues as a dedicated conservationist, she was the narrative voice of the eagle cam and provided regular updates on the eagles’ nesting, mating, and daily lives to millions of viewers and website visitors around the world.

Steers was also a very vocal advocate for preserving the undeveloped land targeted by the Moon Camp project. In fact, opposition to the Moon Camp luxury development was the catalyst for forming FOBBV in 2001. Steers and FOBBV fought against the development for more than 20 years before eventually winning a lawsuit in federal court that halted the project over environmental concerns.

In 2025, developers once again approached San Bernardino County for approval to begin the Moon Camp project. That approval was granted despite extensive public outcry and opposition. FOBBV’s social media post notes that stopping the project was Steers’ top priority. Her efforts resulted in tangible progress in 2026.

Shortly before her death, Steers had helped put together a limited purchase agreement between the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust (SBMLT) and the developer who owns the approximately 63 acres of Moon Camp land.

Thanks to Steers’ efforts, SBMLT has the opportunity to buy Moon Camp and put it into permanent conservatorship. That would prevent not only the Moon Camp project but also any future development on the land. The one caveat? The price tag of $10 million needs to be raised by July 31, 2026.

How FOBBV Is Continuing Sandy Steers’ Legacy

Working together with SBMLT, FOBBV is helping to lead fundraising efforts to protect not just Jackie and Shadow, but all the other species–especially the endangered ones–that rely on the Big Bear ecosystem for survival. The team launched the Save Moon Camp website to help publicize their efforts.

The fundraising team’s goal is to raise the full $10 million before the deadline. Since the launch of the website earlier this year, more than $368,000 has been raised. Donations are accepted in any amount. FOBBV will give special honorary designations and recognition for large donations.

Donations made on the website are tax-deductible and go directly to SBMLT. FOBBV is only managing the fundraiser; no proceeds will go to them. More information about donations, including how and where to make them, can be found on the website’s donations page.