Sandy Steers, Big Bear wildlife activist and voice of Eagle Cam, dies

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. - Sandy Steers, the devoted wildlife advocate who brought the daily lives of Big Bear’s bald eagles to millions of viewers worldwide, passed away Wednesday evening. 

As the executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley for two decades, she became a beloved figure known for her expertise and passion for the natural world.

What we know:

Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) confirmed that Steers passed away on the evening of February 11.

"It is with heavy hearts and great sadness to let our Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle family know that Sandy Steers passed away," the nonprofit announced on social media.

The organization requested privacy for their team to "grieve and process this sad news."

The backstory:

Steers served as the nonprofit’s executive director for more than 20 years, overseeing environmental advocacy and educational programming. 

In 2015, she was instrumental in launching the livestream cameras that followed the nesting seasons of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow.

SUGGESTED: 

• Big Bear bald eagles live cam: FOBBV gives update on Sunny and Gizmo's growth
• Big Bear bald eagles live cam: Sunny and Gizmo are 'winging'
• Big Bear bald eagles live cam: Jackie and Shadow welcome new eaglets

However, Steers' work went far beyond the cameras. 

According to the nonprofit, Steers was a recognized expert who helped preserve rare pebble plains and the endangered paintbrush flower. 

In 2023, she was nominated for Outdoor Californian of the Year by the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC) for her tireless efforts to protect the region's biodiversity.

Dig deeper:

In 2015, Steers was instrumental in launching the livestream cameras that followed the nesting seasons of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow. She became the organization's go-to wildlife expert, appearing multiple times on local media outlets to explain the intricacies of eagle behavior to a global audience.

Under her leadership, the cam community grew into an "eagle family" of thousands. Steers was there for every major moment — from the triumphs to the heartbreak. 

For example, Steers guided viewers through successful hatches and the first flights of eaglets like Sunny. She also provided comfort and scientific context during late-winter storms in 2025 and the recent raven attacks on the nest.

SUGGESTED: Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow lose both eggs after raven attack

Steers frequently used the eagles as a symbol of hope.

What we don't know:

Steers' cause of death has not been made public. 

FOBBV has not yet released details regarding memorial services or who will succeed Steers in her role as executive director.

What's next:

The nonprofit indicated that "more information will be provided at a later time."