Couple Left With Broken Bones and Facial Injuries After Bear Attack Kills Pet Dog: ‘She Saved Our Lives’

A California couple is recovering from broken bones, bite wounds and serious facial injuries after a black bear attacked them outside their Trinity County home, while their 7-year-old French bulldog died after stepping between them and the animal.

Jeff and Mallory Wilson were attacked at about 4 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in rural Northern California. Their dog, Cassie, was fatally injured after intervening during the encounter and died two days later despite emergency veterinary treatment.

Bear Attacked Jeff After He Let Cassie Outside

The attack came after Cassie barked during the early morning hours. Jeff went outside with the dog and encountered a bear near patio furniture.

According to an account from the couple and their friend, the bear charged Jeff, knocking him down and breaking two ribs. He also suffered bite and claw wounds to his legs.

Cassie then moved toward the bear. “Cassie immediately came to his defense, putting herself between Jeff and the bear,” Mallory told KRON4, according to its September 24 report.

The bear grabbed Cassie and began moving away with her. Mallory, who had been awakened by the commotion, went outside and tried to help. The bear then turned on her.

Mallory suffered injuries to her head and face, a broken hand and additional bite and puncture wounds, according to a fundraiser organized by family friend Rachel Moscon. Jeff required staples for his injuries and also sustained multiple wounds.

Cassie Survived the Attack Briefly Before Dying

After the bear left, Cassie was found hiding in the garden and taken to an emergency veterinary hospital. She underwent treatment for multiple wounds, including cuts along her spine.

The couple initially believed she might survive. According to Redheaded Blackbelt, Cassie was walking and drinking water on her own on the second day after the attack. She died the following morning.

Cassie was 7½ years old. “She was never meant to be a hero, she was not our guard dog. She was just our sweet indoor lap baby,” Mallory told Redheaded Blackbelt. The couple admitted to Cassie’s intervention being crucial to their survival.

California Wildlife Officials Investigating Bear

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the attack and was working to locate the bear as of September 24, according to the couple’s account to Redheaded Blackbelt and reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Mallory told the Chronicle that decisions regarding the bear were being left to CDFW and that she and Jeff had not asked for the animal to be euthanized.

CDFW says black bear encounters resulting in human injuries are rare in California. The agency advises residents to secure food and garbage, bring pets indoors at night and keep dogs secured when outdoors, as dogs can startle or provoke bears. If a black bear makes physical contact, CDFW advises people to fight back and call 911.

Couple Faces Recovery and Lost Income

The Wilsons operate a small hospitality business and have canceled guest reservations while they recover from their injuries and deal with the aftermath of the attack.

Their fundraiser is seeking money for medical treatment, veterinary expenses, property repairs and lost income. The couple is self-employed, with their injuries affecting their ability to work.

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