Ironic fireworks plea over bald eagles in Big Bear

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Officials in Big Bear, California, are moving forward with the annual Fourth of July fireworks display despite a petition signed by over 12,000 people urging relocation due to potential harm to a nearby bald eagle family with vulnerable eaglets. The event is seen as vital for local economic recovery after a difficult winter, highlighting a conflict between supporting tourism and protecting wildlife during a critical development period for the eagles.

A Fourth of July fireworks display in Big Bear, California, expected to attract over 125,000 visitors, is facing growing opposition amid concerns for the local bald eagle population. More than 12,000 people have signed a petition urging officials to reconsider or relocate the annual “4th of July Fireworks Spectacular,” citing potential harm to a well-known bald eagle family residing near the event site.

The petition centers on Jackie and Shadow, a pair of bald eagles whose nest has drawn national attention through a 24-hour livestream managed by Friends of Big Bear Valley. This year, the spotlight is on their eaglets, Sandy and Luna, which hatched in early April after the pair produced an uncommon second clutch following the loss of their first nest. The petition argues that the nearly 12-week-old eaglets could be particularly vulnerable to the loud noises and bright lights of the fireworks as they develop flight skills prior to fledging.

Organizers highlight that last year’s appeals focused mostly on potential disturbance to adult eagles, whereas this year’s concerns are more urgent given the age and developmental stage of the young birds. The petition, which garnered more than 40,000 signatures in a similar effort last year, calls for moving the fireworks launch site away from the eagles’ habitat, exploring alternatives like drone shows, and consulting wildlife experts to prevent harm. The petition warns of the risk of a “preventable tragedy” if concerns are not addressed.

Conversely, Visit Big Bear, the region’s tourism organization, has confirmed that the fireworks event will proceed as planned. In a public statement, the group stressed the show’s significance as both a longstanding community tradition and a critical economic driver for local businesses, including lodging, dining, and recreation providers. After a winter marked by minimal snowfall that negatively impacted the area’s economy, Visit Big Bear emphasized the importance of the Independence Day holiday weekend in helping the community recover.

The organization also rejected the notion that the fireworks display inherently threatens wildlife, stating that the event can coexist with efforts to protect local species. “This is not a choice between caring for wildlife and caring for local families,” the statement said, underscoring the belief that both priorities can be balanced.

As Big Bear prepares for what is expected to be one of its busiest holiday weekends, the debate reflects broader tensions between economic recovery efforts and wildlife conservation concerns in environmentally sensitive areas.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.