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French Bulldog Saved Couple During California Bear Attack, Survivor Says
The couple suffered broken bones and bite wounds, and a GoFundMe was started to cover medical bills, vet costs and lost income.
On Saturday, September 19, a bear attacked Jeff Wilson and Mallory Wilson at their Trinity County home, leaving the couple with serious injuries and killing their seven-year-old French bulldog, Cassie.
The encounter began around 4am when Jeff investigated barking in their backyard. The couple believes the bear panicked after becoming cornered between a fence and gate, sparking the unprovoked attack.
Cassie intervened to defend Jeff, while Mallory threw a chair and Jeff shoved a patio heater to drive the bear away. Jeff suffered broken ribs and bites; Mallory sustained serious head and face wounds.
A GoFundMe page has raised more than $11,000 of their $16,000 goal to help cover medical bills and lost earnings. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating and attempting to trap the bear.
According to CDFW spokesperson Peter Tira, bear attacks are rare, with about 100 nonfatal incidents statewide from 1986 through 2015. The agency advises victims to fight back and call 911 immediately if attacked.