Eagle Family's July 4th Fireworks Fears

A growing number of signatures on a petition are urging Big Bear's leaders and event organizers to rethink the city's traditional Fourth of July fireworks display. Over 13,000 individuals have voiced their support for the petition, titled "Protect Big Bear's Bald Eagles & Eaglets from July 4th Fireworks Disturbance," aiming to safeguard a beloved bald eagle family. Friends of Big Bear Valley, a local wildlife organization, while not directly involved in the petition, acknowledges the annual risks faced by the eagles.

Jenny Voisard of Friends of Big Bear Valley expressed concern for the eaglets, Sandy and Luna, especially as they approach fledging. She noted that the parents, Jackie and Shadow, are crucial for the eaglets' survival. Voisard explained that bald eagles have poor night vision, making them susceptible to being startled by loud noises. This could lead to them fleeing their nest rapidly and potentially encountering hazards like roads.

In response to the petition, Visit Big Bear, the entity responsible for the fireworks show, stated that it is a significant community tradition and an economic driver. They highlighted the current tourism season's importance, particularly after a dry winter impacted ski resorts. The organization announced that the show would be limited to 30 minutes with efforts to reduce loud booms, and the fireworks barge would be positioned two miles from the eagle nest.

Voisard, however, remains skeptical about the effectiveness of the distance, suggesting that the lake amplifies sound, making even a greater distance potentially insufficient. This situation mirrors a similar petition from the previous year, though last year's eaglets had already fledged well before the holiday.