A Northern California couple was seriously injured when a bear attacked them outside their home and killed their French bulldog as it tried to protect its owners.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the attack occurred on Sept. 19 and said it was investigating the circumstances, but declined to provide additional information.
Jeff and Mallory Wilson live and operate Radio Ranch Camp, an off-grid glamping retreat in a rural part of Trinity County, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The attack occurred early Saturday morning, after Jeff followed his French Bulldog, Cassie, outside of their home. That's when the black bear "suddenly attacked" the two, according to the GoFundMe set up for the couple.
To protect her owner,
Cassie stood between Jeff and the bear, trying to fend it off, but the bear ultimately gravely injured her. Cassie died two days later from her injuries, according to the GoFundMe.
At some point during the attack, Mallory was woken up by the noise and ran outside to help Jeff and Cassie.
While helping Jeff get away from the bear, Mallory "sustained serious injuries to her head and face, and other bite and puncture wounds." Jeff, on the other hand, had two broken ribs and had been bitten and clawed at by the bear "numerous" times, according to the GoFundMe.
As a result of the attack, the couple has had to cancel guest reservations for upcoming visits to Radio Ranch Camp, as they recover and cooperate with the ongoing CDFW investigation.
The family's friend, Rachel Moscon, started a GoFundMe for the Wilsons in hopes of helping them pay for medical expenses, emergency veterinary expenses, and property damage that happened as a result of the attack.
"They are passionate animal lovers, which has made this extraordinarily rare encounter and the loss of Cassie heartbreaking on so many levels," the fundraiser reads. "Cassie was a deeply loved member of their family, and in the moment Jeff needed her most, this little dog courageously put herself between him and a bear."
As of Friday, Sept. 25, the fundraiser has received $14,400 in donations, nearly reaching its $16,000 goal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Northern California couple seriously injured in bear attack, kills dog
