California wildlife officials and volunteers sprang into action over the weekend after a bald eagle was spotted unable to fly near Dana Point Park at Big Bear Lake.

The bird had been seen on the ground late Friday night and again the following day before cellphone video captured it fending off two younger eagles. The eagle rolled onto its back and deployed its talons to defend itself, but was still unable to take flight afterward.

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation dispatched its San Dimas Raptor Rescue team Saturday night, making the roughly two-hour drive to Big Bear, where San Bernardino County firefighters from Station 96 had been keeping watch over the grounded bird.

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The eagle was then transported to a specialized rehabilitation facility equipped to care for birds of prey.

Questions about the eagle's identity lingered initially, since Jackie is not banded. The beloved matriarch, made famous by the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle nest cam, had not been spotted on the nonprofit's 24/7 cameras for several days. After reviewing photos and video, however, the organization confirmed the rescued bird is "likely Jackie."

"She is in the best place she can be and getting the care she needs," Friends of Big Bear Valley said.

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What to do if you spot an injured bald eagle

If you encounter a bald eagle that appears injured or grounded, keep your distance and do not attempt to handle it.

Bald eagles are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, meaning it is illegal for members of the public to capture, handle, or possess them without special authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Even well-meaning intervention can cause additional stress or injury to the bird.

Instead, note the bird's location and contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control agency. In the Los Angeles area, residents can reach out to the San Dimas Raptor Rescue or LA County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Rehabilitating a bald eagle requires permits that go beyond standard wildlife care credentials, so it is important that the bird reaches a facility with specific eagle authorization and expertise as quickly as possible.