Story perspectives

Bear attack injures Wilsons; GoFundMe tops $14,400

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 2:28 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Wilson Couple Bear Attack

Jeff and Mallory Wilson were mauled by a bear outside their Trinity County home on September 19.
Their French bulldog Cassie tried to protect Jeff and died two days later.
Jeff suffered two broken ribs and numerous bite and claw wounds.
Mallory sustained serious head and facial injuries plus additional bite and puncture wounds.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised $14,400 toward a $16,000 goal for medical and property costs.

Summary

CDFW Issues Guidance

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) urged residents to secure food and garbage to deter bears.
Officials advised keeping pets indoors at night and supervising them outdoors.
The agency recommended making noise, yelling, or clapping to alert bears.
CDFW guidance said if a bear contacts a person, they fight back and call authorities.
The Wilsons said they do not want their story to create unnecessary fear of wildlife.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife inaugurated the Bear Management Program after a black-bear attack in Yosemite National Park that killed a hiker. The program, funded with $12 million, partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and San Francisco’s wildlife council, achieving a 30 percent drop in incidents by 2000. Today, the Wilson family’s bear mauling in Trinity County echoes the 1995 tragedy, prompting the agency to repeat warnings about securing food and supervising pets. The enduring pattern underscores that proactive habitat management and public education remain essential to prevent costly injuries and $16,000 medical expenses for victims.

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Wilson Couple Bear Attack

Jeff and Mallory Wilson were mauled by a bear outside their Trinity County home on September 19.
Their French bulldog Cassie tried to protect Jeff and died two days later.
Jeff suffered two broken ribs and numerous bite and claw wounds.
Mallory sustained serious head and facial injuries plus additional bite and puncture wounds.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised $14,400 toward a $16,000 goal for medical and property costs.

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