Big Bear’s Fourth of July ‘fireworks spectacular’ under threat — and the problem is very ironic

A Fourth of July fireworks show expected to draw more than 125,000 visitors to the popular Southern California mountain resort town of Big Bear is facing growing opposition, because of America’s national bird.

More than 12,000 people have signed a petition urging officials to move or rethink Big Bear’s annual “4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.” 

The petition says the booming display could disturb the area’s famous bald eagle family as two young eaglets approach a critical stage of development.

But local business owners say that after another disappointing winter with little snowfall, the Fourth of July holiday represents one of the biggest tourism weekends of the year and a chance to recover some of the revenue lost during ski season.

At the center of the controversy are Jackie and Shadow, the celebrity bald eagles whose nest has attracted more than a million viewers through a 24-hour livestream operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley. 

This year’s concerns focus on Jackie and Shadow’s young eaglets, Sandy and Luna, which hatched in early April after the eagles produced a rare second clutch of eggs following the loss of their first nest earlier this year.

Petition organizers say the birds will be roughly 12 weeks old on Independence Day and could be vulnerable to sudden explosions and bright flashes as they continue developing flight skills ahead of fledging.

“Last year’s concerns centered primarily on disturbance to adult eagles. 

This year’s concern is far more serious,” organizers wrote.

The petition notes that more than 40,000 people signed a similar appeal last year and calls on officials to relocate the fireworks launch site away from eagle habitat, consider alternatives such as drone shows and consult with wildlife experts.

“We cannot claim surprise if a preventable tragedy occurs after repeated warnings, documented concerns, and overwhelming public support for protecting these birds,” the petition states.

But Visit Big Bear says the show will go on.

In a public statement, the tourism organization acknowledged the public’s connection to Jackie and Shadow but said the fireworks display remains an important tradition and economic lifeline for the mountain community.

“The fireworks show is a long-standing community tradition and an important economic driver for Big Bear’s local businesses, workers, restaurants, lodging properties, recreation providers, and families,” Visit Big Bear said in a statement.

The organization said another low-to-no-snow winter hurt local businesses and makes the Independence Day holiday especially important for the local economy.

“Big Bear’s tourism ecosystem is fragile too, and the Fourth of July holiday is part of the broader effort to help our community recover heading into the summer season,” the statement said.

Visit Big Bear also pushed back on claims that the event places wildlife at risk.

According to the organization, the fireworks are professionally managed, launched from a barge approximately two miles from the eagle nest, coordinated with local safety agencies and limited to less than 30 minutes. 

Officials also said they are working with the fireworks provider to reduce the loudest booms where possible.

“This is not a choice between caring for wildlife and caring for local families,” Visit Big Bear said. “We believe Big Bear can and must do both.”

The group added that the community has coexisted with bald eagles and other wildlife for generations and said stewardship remains central to its decision-making.

The annual display is set for July 4 from 8:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m..