Big Bear's July 4 fireworks spark debate over newly fledged eaglets Sandy and Luna

Big Bear Valley's beloved bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow are at the center of a heated community debate this Fourth of July — this time with extra stakes. Their eaglets Sandy and Luna fledged for the first time less than a week before the July 4, 2026 fireworks show, raising urgent concerns from local conservationists about the young birds' safety[1].

Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that monitors the nest, says the newly airborne chicks are still "100% dependent on their parents" and dangerously inexperienced[1]. Media manager Jenny Voisard explains that the primary danger is disorientation: if Sandy and Luna try to flee the noise and flashes at night — when eagles can't see well — they risk serious collision injuries[1]. The concern isn't hypothetical. After previous fireworks shows, Jackie and Shadow themselves went missing from the area for three days following the 2023 show and for six days after the 2022 show[1].

The worry has spread well beyond Big Bear. More than 43,000 people have signed a petition urging organizers to relocate the show or replace it with alternatives like a drone display[1]. Similar fireworks shows near bald eagle nests were canceled this year in Madison, Wisconsin, and Long Island, New York[1].

Visit Big Bear, which organizes the annual event, is pressing ahead. The group notes the fireworks barge launches from roughly 2 miles away from the nesting area and the show is designed to wrap up in under 30 minutes[1]. Visit Big Bear acknowledged the decision "was not made lightly," calling the show an "important economic driver" and a long-standing tradition for the community's businesses, restaurants, and workers — context the organization said is "especially important this year after another low-to-no snow winter, which directly impacted many of our neighbors, employees, and small businesses"[1]. Visit Big Bear also said it would work to reduce the loudest booms and clean up the lake afterward[1].

The situation is a reminder of the very real risks young eagles face regardless of the holiday. About 70% of bald eaglets survive their first year, with car strikes, power line collisions, and lead poisoning among the leading threats[1]. Two previous Big Bear eaglets, Stormy and Simba, were found dead in different parts of California roughly a year after fledging[1].

Wildlife regulators' positions on this year's show could not be confirmed. Residents who want to follow developments can monitor Friends of Big Bear Valley's social channels, where the nonprofit has been providing nest updates and directing supporters to the petition.