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October 10, 2026, began with something Big Bear eagle watchers had been waiting to see. Shadow brought his first stick of the season to the nest. With another nesting season approaching, it was a welcome sight. But then gunshots at Big Bear abruptly changed the mood. One loud bang sent Shadow flying from the nest tree, and a second left him gripping a branch on the Lookout Snag, looking around for the source of the noise.
Thankfully, Shadow and Kaydee are both okay. ❤️🩹
Shadow’s First Stick of the Season Comes Before the Scare
Before the frightening sounds interrupted the morning, Shadow was already getting back to his familiar nest duties. He had delivered his first stick of the season, a small but meaningful moment for those following his growing relationship with Kaydee. With fall underway, signs of nest preparation have become especially interesting to watch.
Kaydee was busy around the nest tree, too. She flew into the lower branches, an area eagle watchers affectionately call the basement, carrying a stick of her own. Unfortunately, she dropped it. Shadow was at the nest while Kaydee explored the branches below. She eventually flew away, leaving him behind. Neither eagle could have known what was about to interrupt the peaceful morning.
A Loud Gunshot Sends Shadow Flying From the Big Bear Nest Tree
Shadow had moved to the front porch of the nest when a sudden, sharp bang rang out across the camera audio.
His reaction was immediate.
He launched from his perch and flew toward the Lookout Snag, leaving the nest tree behind. The unexpected sound was startling enough for viewers watching through their screens. Seeing Shadow react so quickly made the moment even more unsettling. But reaching the Lookout Snag didn’t mean the disturbance was over.
A Second Gunshot Startles Shadow on the Lookout Snag
While Shadow perched on a lower branch of the Lookout Snag, another loud gunshot rang out. This time, the cameras captured him gripping the branch as he reacted to the noise. He looked around the surrounding area, appearing to search for whatever had made the sudden sound.
For a bird that had been peacefully going about his morning, it was quite a change. Shadow remained on the Lookout Snag for a while, watching his surroundings before eventually flying away. Kaydee had already left the nest tree before the first gunshot, so she was not there when Shadow made his sudden departure.
Why Were Gunshots Heard at Big Bear?
The timing coincided with the opening of general deer hunting season in the surrounding region. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 2026 hunting regulations, the general deer hunting season in Zone D14 runs from October 10 through November 8, 2026.
Gunfire has also been heard on the Big Bear eagle cameras during previous hunting seasons. However, there is an important distinction between hearing gunshots and knowing where they originated.
The Big Bear nest cameras have extremely sensitive microphones that capture sounds from the surrounding environment. Noise can also travel and echo through mountain valleys. Although the bangs sounded exceptionally loud in the recording, the footage does not establish how close the gunshots were to the nest or exactly where they came from.
Shadow and Kaydee Are Okay After the Frightening Morning
The most reassuring part of this encounter is that other than being startled both eagles look to be fine. Shadow’s sudden departure and watchful behavior on the Lookout Snag were understandable responses to unexpected loud noises. Flying away from a possible disturbance can help a wild eagle put distance between itself and whatever caused the alarm.
And this wasn’t Shadow’s first experience with hunting season around Big Bear. Still, after the heartbreaking loss of Jackie in August, seeing Shadow startled so suddenly can bring an extra wave of concern for those who have followed him for years.
That concern now extends to Kaydee as she continues spending time around Shadow and the nest they have been visiting together. The morning may have taken an unsettling turn, but it also began with something worth remembering: Shadow’s first stick of the season and another visit from Kaydee.
The branch manager is getting back to work, and both eagles are safe. 💛
The Friends of Big Bear Valley make this live cam experience possible. The video was uploaded and shared by Lady Hawk on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were Shadow and Kaydee injured by the gunshots?
No. Shadow flew from the nest tree to the Lookout Snag after the first gunshot, while Kaydee had already left the nest area. Both eagles looked to be okay.
Where was Kaydee when the gunshots were heard?
Kaydee had visited the basement of the Big Bear nest tree with a stick but dropped it. She flew away before the first gunshot sounded.
Why were gunshots heard near the Big Bear eagle cameras?
The sounds coincided with the October 10 opening of the 2026 general deer hunting season in Zone D14. However, the cameras did not establish the exact source or location of the gunshots.
Were the gunshots close to Shadow’s nest?
The recording cannot establish their distance. The nest cameras use sensitive microphones, and sound can travel long distances through the mountain environment.
It’s the most despicable thing a human can do…shoot an animal with a high powered (or any) rifle. That’s not a “sport”. It’s assassination, pure and simple.
Sad and terrifying…😣
SO DISGUSTING. WHY WOULD YOU KILL A BEAUTIFUL ANIMAL, BAMBIS MOTHER. LETS SEE HOW YOU WOULD FEEL IF YOU OR A LOVED ON WAS SHOT AND KILLED. YOU ARE NOT A BIG PERSON DOING THIS. SICKENING.
DISGUSTING SPORT…KILLING OF HARMLESS ANIMALS AND SCARING THE REST
Maybe it’s time to let us go and bring back the dinosaurs.