Couple Hospitalized, French Bulldog Fatally Injured in Northern California Bear Attack

A late-night encounter with a black bear in Trinity County, California, resulted in serious injuries for a couple and the tragic death of their French bulldog.

Jeff and Mallory Wilson were attacked by a cinnamon-colored black bear early on Sept. 19. The incident occurred when Jeff Wilson went to investigate a bark from their dog, Cassie. Upon opening the backyard door, a bear emerged from behind patio furniture and lunged at him, knocking him to the ground. The commotion woke Mallory Wilson, who also went outside and was subsequently attacked by the animal.

Cassie, the couple's 7-year-old French bulldog, reportedly intervened by throwing herself between the bear and Jeff Wilson. The bear grabbed Cassie in its mouth and began to run away with her. The Wilsons were able to get the bear to drop their dog and ultimately scare it off.

Despite suffering significant injuries themselves, the couple rushed Cassie to emergency veterinary care. The dog underwent surgery for multiple wounds, including damage along her spine, but died two days later. The GoFundMe page described Cassie as "a deeply loved member of their family."

Jeff Wilson sustained two broken ribs and numerous bite and claw wounds. Mallory Wilson suffered severe injuries to her head and face, along with other bite and puncture wounds. Both are undergoing medical treatment and recovery.

The Wilsons own Radio Ranch, an off-the-grid "glamping" retreat in Trinity County. In a statement, they emphasized their experience living alongside wildlife and taking precautions to coexist peacefully. They described the encounter as "unprovoked and extraordinarily unusual."

The attack has led to the cancellation of Radio Ranch reservations while the Wilsons recover and cooperate with an investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). A GoFundMe has been established to help cover medical bills, veterinary costs, property damage, and recovery expenses. As of Saturday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised over $16,000 of its $20,000 goal.

The CDFW notes that black bear attacks resulting in human injuries are rare in California. The agency advises residents to secure food and garbage that attract bears, keep pets indoors at night when possible, and fight back if attacked by a black bear, rather than playing dead.

This incident follows several other notable bear encounters in the region this year, including break-ins by black bears near Lake Tahoe and separate grizzly bear attacks in Montana's Glacier National Park and on a hunter in Montana.