A luxury housing development planned near the nest of California’s well-loved bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, could pose a serious risk to their home.
Supporters of the eagles, who have gained a following through videos of their daily lives, are stepping up efforts to stop this development less than a mile from where the eagles reside.
The conservation group advocating for Jackie and Shadow has pointed out that studies consistently indicate that large housing projects can negatively affect bald eagle populations. The group voiced concerns that the proposed project on Big Bear Lake’s north shore might interfere with Jackie and Shadow’s breeding and even push them to abandon their nest entirely.
Moon Camp is the name given to the proposed development, which would include 50 upscale homes and a marina for 50 boats. The Friends of Big Bear have been actively seeking to prevent this project for years, having initiated multiple lawsuits to challenge it.
In their latest action, they have ramped up fundraising efforts following the death of Sandy Stairs, the beloved director of Friends of Big Bear, who played a key role in launching the Eagle Camera over a decade ago.
“Everyone should step in to protect Jackie and Shadow,” was Stairs’ rallying cry before her passing. The eagles have been live-streamed, captivating audiences globally, and were recently spotted nesting with the first eggs of the season. Unfortunately, their nest came under attack from crows while the pair was away.
