Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center fitted Jackie, Big Bear Lake's famed bald eagle, with a protective plastic tail guard on July 31, 2026.
The device aims to prevent further damage to her tail feathers during rehabilitation.
Caregivers placed the lightweight sleeve over her tail feathers to avoid bending or breakage.
Jackie, also tracked as Patient 26-519, was reported bright and alert while tolerating the equipment well.
The recovery effort began after two subadult eagles attacked the 14-year-old bird on July 17.
Although Jackie successfully fended off the intruders using her talons, the ordeal left her severely anemic and suffering from kidney inflammation, requiring intensive care and oxygen treatment.
"Damaged or tattered tail feathers can significantly impact a bird's ability to fly once it is ready for release," said the Raptor Center, official with the wildlife rehabilitation organization.
Meanwhile, 170 miles away in Big Bear Lake, her 12-year-old mate, Shadow, continues to guard their nest territory.
Observers noted that one of the subadult eagles involved in the altercation, nicknamed "Jolene" by online fans, has stayed nearby.
Shadow has maintained distance from the young intruder, issuing stern warning calls and knocking the bird off the nest structure.
However, he permitted it to roost a few branches away.
"Shadow hasn't shown any friendliness towards it," said Jenny Voisard, spokeswoman for Friends of Big Bear Valley.
Experts clarified that a new partnership remains unlikely due to biological cycles and age differences.
"The eagle is probably not old enough to even mate or take over a territory yet," said Voisard.
At 3.5 years old, the visiting eagle lacks the maturity needed for mating, which typically begins at age five.
Hormonal shifts for breeding do not occur in local eagles until December or January.
"He won't feel like he needs to defend the habitat as much. And so he may be tolerant and will perch with other eagles too," said Voisard.
The couple recently raised two eaglets, Luna and Sandy, who have already departed the nest to explore new territories.
"She's obviously gravitating towards him," said Voisard.
Wildlife specialists reassured the public that natural instincts, rather than romantic interest, drive the young eagle's presence.
"Females can be more aggressive toward another female, especially if it's the owner of the territory," said Voisard.
The organization actively works to clarify eagle behavior to concerned online viewers following the live webcam stream.
"There's not like there's this weird telenovela storyline going on," said Voisard.
Outside experts confirmed that long-term bond replacements only happen under specific circumstances.
"I highly doubt Shadow is going to find another mate right now because it's outside of breeding season," said Jennifer Cedarleaf, avian director at the Alaska Raptor Center.
Shadow will continue patrolling the Big Bear Valley territory while Jackie completes her rehabilitation program in Ojai.
"But if something happens to Jackie and she doesn't show up next year, he will find another mate," said Cedarleaf.
