Beloved Eagle Family Creates Controversy Over Fireworks Show

By Bethanie H

Published

07/02/2025

This year’s fireworks show in Big Bear, California will go on, despite a petition to stop it. More than 30,000 people wanted to cancel or postpone the fireworks this 4th of July due to a beloved bald eagle family that lives in the area. Jackie and Shadow are the doting parents of two eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, who fledged last month to great fanfare. The family is famous thanks to the bald eagle nest cam that transmits live footage of their every movement to YouTube.

Videos by Outdoors

Petitioners say fireworks can harm the family by startling them into flight at night. This is especially dangerous for young eagles.

“Sadly, Visit Big Bear and their agency and community partners are standing by their decision to blast off July 4 fireworks in Big Bear this Friday,” wrote Sandy Steers with the Friends of Big Bear Valley, which operates the nest cams. “We have tried speaking with them, all but begging, showing documented proof of Jackie and Shadow leaving the area for days, explaining how fireworks do major damage, not just to birds and wildlife, but to the lake with pollution, the ducks and their babies, the overall environment and humans breathing the air polluted by the event, as well as pets and PTSD humans.”

Despite the advocates’ efforts, the 4th of July fireworks show is still scheduled to occur. ABC News reports Visit Big Bear’s response: “Visit Big Bear is deeply committed to balancing the needs of our local community with those of our natural environment,” said Travis Scott, Visit Big Bear CEO. “As stewards of one of California’s most cherished outdoor destinations, we recognize that protecting our forest friends and wildlife habitats is as important as sustaining our local economy and traditions. Visit Big Bear strives to honor both.”

See the full post from the Friends of Big Bear Valley discussing the eagle family/fireworks controversy here:

Header stock image by Katrin Ray Shumakov/Getty Images