The timing of July 4 fireworks puts Big Bear eaglets at risk, advocates say
What’s more American than fireworks on the 4th of July? How about protecting the beloved family of bald eagles, environmental advocates say.
Last year, a petition to stop Big Bear Lake’s annual fireworks display gathered more than 40,000 signatures from people concerned that the event would disturb the famous eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow.
This year, opponents say the number is high because the couple’s nest has two young eagles – Sandy and Luna – that have yet to fly. A new petition has begun asking the city to move the fireworks display away from the bald eagle site or consider other celebrations such as drone light displays.
“On the 4th of July, Sandy and Luna may still be developing the communication skills, strength, and flight skills needed to get people to safety,” says this year’s petition, which has garnered more than 12,500 signatures so far. “Sudden noise, loud bangs, and bright flashes have the potential to frighten young birds, creating unnecessary danger during a critical period of growth.”
Big Bear tourism officials also disputed the decision to move forward with the celebration, citing the important role it plays in supporting the local economy.
“The fireworks display is a long-standing community tradition and is an important economic stimulus for local Big Bear businesses, workers, restaurants, lodging, recreation providers, and families,” said a statement from Visit Big Bear, the region’s tourism agency. “That context is especially important this year after another very low snow winter, which directly affected many of our neighbors, workers and small businesses.”
Jackie and Shadow became Internet sensations thanks to live web cams maintained at their nest by the non-profit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, a free voice for eagle habitat conservation.
Although the letter against these explosives was not started by a non-profit organization, the group expressed concern about the event and last month sent a letter to the authorities explaining the damage caused by these explosives.
“While there are many environmental concerns with fireworks, for Jackie and Shadow, the biggest risk is the disturbing noise that makes them fly at night,” Jenny Voisard, FOBBV’s media representative told The Times. Although they have excellent eyesight during the day, eagles do not see well at night.
Voisard said the group is also concerned about the eagles, who are at a critical time in their lives. After Jackie and Shadow lost their first clutch of crow eggs in January, they produced a rare second clutch in April, meaning new eaglets Sandy and Luna will be just 12 weeks old when they hatch.
Last year, Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets (Sunny and Gizmo) were about a month old by the time of the fireworks show and were already old enough to fly away from the nest.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a letter last year saying that, because the young birds were able to fly independently, there was no danger of fireworks causing the nest to fail.
Jackie and Shadow left the nest during last year’s show but returned safely afterwards.
Sandy and Luna, however, are in a very vulnerable position. Recent webcam recordings show them practicing flapping their wings and emerging from the outer branches of the nest, and FOBBV believes they will be roosting on or around the 4th of July.
“Whether they are nestlings or fledglings, they will depend on Jackie and Shadow to take care of them,” the nonprofit said in its letter to officials. “If, as in the past, Jackie and Shadow were to escape from the habitat for a few days, this would put the eagles at risk at this critical time in their lives.”
The US Fish and Wildlife Service, so far, has not considered the possible consequences of this year’s show.
Visit Bear said the decision to go ahead with the event was not made lightly and organizers are working with fireworks suppliers to reduce loud noise where possible. The agency also noted that the boat carrying the explosives was two kilometers away from Jackie and Shadow’s nest and that the show was supposed to end in less than 30 minutes.
“Big Bear loves these eagles,” said the agency. “Our goal is to continue the culture of a responsible, professionally managed community while maintaining stewardship at the center of the conversation.”
