The San Francisco Chronicle identified Mallory and Jeff Wilson as the Trinity County couple seriously injured in a Sept. 19 bear attack; a fundraiser says their French bulldog Cassie stepped between Jeff and the bear. Cassie was injured and died two days later.
Jeff Wilson suffered two broken ribs and bite and claw wounds; Mallory Wilson had serious head and face injuries, as well as bite and puncture wounds. A fundraiser had raised more than $15,000 by Friday evening for medical care, veterinary bills and property damage. The self-employed owners of a small hospitality business canceled guest reservations and have no paid sick or bereavement leave.
The bear was a cinnamon bear, a type of black bear; California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife says encounters causing human injury are rare in the state. The Wilsons said they are cooperating with the department, whose spokesperson declined to comment because the investigation is active.
