A couple in Northern California was attacked by a bear in their backyard on September 19, resulting in serious injuries for both of them and the death of their French bulldog, Cassie. The incident happened when Jeff Wilson, one of the couple, heard his dog barking and went to investigate. He was attacked by the bear, and his wife, Mallory, was also attacked after she went outside to check on the commotion. The bear grabbed Cassie and began to run, but Mallory threw a chair at the animal, causing it to drop the dog. Jeff then hit the bear with a patio heater in an attempt to scare it away. Both Jeff and Mallory suffered significant injuries during the attack. Mallory sustained serious injuries to her head and face, a broken hand, and additional bite and puncture wounds. Jeff suffered two broken ribs and several bite and claw wounds. Cassie, who was not a guard dog but a beloved family pet, died two days after the attack due to her injuries, following emergency surgery on the same day as the incident. The couple described the encounter as unprovoked and unusual. They believe the bear was startled by their presence and panicked when it was cornered between the house's fence and gate. They expressed respect for the wild animals in the area and emphasized that they had no intention of provoking the bear. In the aftermath of the attack, a GoFundMe page set up by the couple's friend has raised over $11,000 of its $16,000 goal to help cover their medical bills and offset their loss of earnings as self-employed business owners while they recover. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is currently investigating the attack, and wardens are working to trap the bear involved.