Imitation, it’s often said, is the sincerest form of flattery.
But in the case of the internet’s favorite bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, that has meant an explosion of fake social media accounts that have nothing to do with the official Big Bear Valley nonprofit behind the nest cam on YouTube.
Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, said fans started noticing copycat accounts on Instagram and Facebook a few years ago.
Growing popularity
But as eaglets have emerged and endured (or not, in the case of one unfortunate chick) snow and wind, the imitators’ presence has grown.
Growing pains
“Just this year is when everything started multiplying like crazy,” said Steers, adding that the group has been filing takedown requests with social platforms when they spot imitators. “We’re still working on a lot more. It’s like they’re popping up faster than we can keep a handle on it at this point.”…