Vicious bear mauls couple until their French bulldog intervenes with tragic consequences
A black bear mauled a Northern California couple at their Trinity County home, and their French bulldog Cassie reportedly died trying to protect them from the attack.
The dog reportedly tried to protect them during the vicious attack, which left them hospitalized.
In the early morning hours of Sept. 19, Jeff and Mallory Wilson's dog, Cassie, let out a single bark, prompting Jeff Wilson to go outside and check the backyard of their Trinity County home.
The commotion woke his wife, who went outside and was also attacked by the bear, according to a GoFundMe organized by a longtime friend of the married couple.
The owners got the bear to drop their dog and finally scared it off.
The page described the pet as "a deeply loved member of their family."
Jeff Wilson, meanwhile, suffered two broken ribs and numerous bite and claw wounds, while Mallory Wilson sustained serious injuries to her head and face and other bite and puncture wounds.
Each is facing continued medical treatment and recovery, the fundraising page says.
"This was an unprovoked and extraordinarily unusual encounter that none of us could have anticipated.
"We can grieve Cassie and be devastated by what happened while still respecting the wild animals that belong in these places," they added.
Jeff Wilson told local news outlets he believes the bear may have been startled after becoming cornered between a fence and gate at their home.
The fundraiser aims to help cover the couple's medical bills, veterinary costs, property damage and the expense of hiring help while they recover.
As of Saturday afternoon, it raised over $16,000 of its $20,000 goal.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Wilsons and the GoFundMe organizer for comment.
The agency advises residents to secure food and garbage that can attract bears, keep pets indoors at night when possible and fight back rather than play dead if a black bear attacks.
The incident is the latest in several high-profile bear encounters this year, including black bear break-ins around California's Lake Tahoe region and separate grizzly attacks involving a hiker in Glacier National Park and a Montana hunter, as Fox News Digital previously reported.