A bear attack last weekend has left a California couple seriously injured and mourning the death of their French bulldog, who tried to protect them from the animal.
In the early hours of 19 September, Jeff Wilson, who lives in rural northern California, let his dog Cassie go outside, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
When Jeff went to bring Cassie inside, a cinnamon bear, a subspecies of the black bear, appeared, slamming him into the side of his home and breaking two of his ribs, according to the paper.
His wife, Mallory Wilson, was roused by sounds of a struggle and ran outside to a harrowing scene.
The bear had Cassie in its mouth and her husband was bleeding on the ground.
Mallory jumped into action, striking the bear with a piece of patio furniture. The bear knocked her down and grabbed her by the back of the head, injuring her neck, before fleeing.
The family’s dog died two days after the attack from her injuries, according to a GoFundMe organized for the couple.
“Jeff suffered two broken ribs and numerous bite and claw wounds, while Mallory sustained serious injuries to her head and face, and other bite and puncture wounds. Both are now facing continued medical treatment and recovery”, their friend wrote in the online fundraising appeal.
“Mallory and Jeff have built their lives and livelihood surrounded by nature. They operate a small hospitality business, have years of experience living and working alongside wildlife, and take precautions to peacefully coexist with the animals that share their land,” the appeal continued.
“They are passionate animal lovers, which has made this extraordinarily rare encounter and the loss of Cassie heartbreaking on so many levels. 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.”
The northern California attack comes as there has been a surge of bear-human conflicts across the American west. In some cases, changing climate conditions have squeezed the food supply of bears, who turn to residential properties in search of nutrition before the winter denning season.
