Volunteers who look after the famous bald eagle nest at Big Bear Lake are urging the public to stop harassing, bullying and doxing officials and organizers of the city’s upcoming July 4 fireworks show.
Friends of Big Bear Valley issued a statement on Monday describing the negative impact fireworks can have on bald eagles, and particularly juvenile eagles, such as Sunny and Gizmo, who were hatched earlier this year by parents Jackie and Shadow. The statement accompanied a petition urging an end to future fireworks shows at Big Bear Lake, which has garnered more than 40,000 signatures.
But some people have decided to do more than sign the petition.
“We were deeply saddened to discover that some people took a different approach,” FOBBV Executive Director Sandy Steers wrote via social media on Thursday. “Some have been aggressive with agencies and their employees, cyber-bullying and even posting personal information of the event organizers on the internet, in some extremely misguided attempt to shame or intimidate them.”
“This type of behavior is horrific and we absolutely condemn it,” she said. “Especially doing it in the name of protecting the eagles or nature or the environment.”
Anyone found engaging in the described behavior would be banned from FOBBV’s social media platforms “immediately and permanently,” Steers added.
“We want to be explicitly clear that we do not condone disseminating personal information online or any other forms of harassment, either in person, by phone or through cyberbullying,’ According to Steers. “It is completely unethical and can be considered illegal.”
The intent of the group was merely to provide information and raise awareness about the problems fireworks pose to bald eagles, she said.
Jackie and Shadow flee from roosting tree amid fireworks
Jackie and Shadow were spotted in their favorite roost tree and appeared to be settling in to go to sleep about 8:30 p.m., Steers said in a July 5 update.
Once the explosions began about 9 p.m., one of the parents fled the tree, as Jackie was heard screeching out a warning call signaling danger.
“The full show started at 9:17 and no eagles were visible on the roost tree by 9:18,” Steers said. “The fireworks went on for another 20 minutes to the big finale.”
“Jackie and Shadow were not in the Roost Tree this morning. And none of their usual vocals were heard from anywhere nearby,” she said. “We will all be sending out hope for their speedy return.”
Big Bear Lake officials respond to concerns
Big Bear Lake city officials said they, too, have concern for Big Bear’s famed family of bald eagles and has taken their welfare into consideration.
“We truly appreciate the care, concern, and passion so many individuals and organizations have shown for the wildlife that call Big Bear home — especially our iconic bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, and their fledglings,” Visit Big Bear said in a written statement.
“As stewards of one of California’s most treasured outdoor destinations, Visit Big Bear is deeply committed to balancing ecological responsibility with community celebration,” the statement said.
City officials pointed to a letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that relayed the opinion that Sunny and Gizmo would be OK.
“At this point, the young are capable of independent flight, so they can safely move if they need to,” according to the correspondence from the agency’s Migratory Bird Permit Office.
“While the fireworks may disturb the eagles, and while we recommend siting the fireworks barge away from the nest, we do not believe that fireworks at this stage will cause direct take (nest failure),” the letter said. “Based on our understanding of the nest location, and past tolerance of this event, we believe that this year’s fledglings will similarly fare well.”
City officials said they respected and welcomed opinions.
“We understand that not everyone will agree with the decision to move forward,” the Visit Big Bear statement added. “But this event reflects a broader vision — one of care, planning, and responsibility. It honors both our local residents and the visitors who come from around the world to enjoy Big Bear’s natural beauty.”
(This story has been updated with additional information.)
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Big Bear bald eagle nest volunteers urge calm amid fury over fireworks at Big Bear Lake
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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