In the month following a cougar attack that left Keri Bergere with severe facial trauma and permanent nerve damage, a fundraiser organized by her daughters raised $80,000 for expenses going toward her recovery.
“Words do not describe the way we feel about all of you that have donated,” wrote Kendal McCorkle in an update on GoFundMe. “The relief she feels that she can recover in peace without this weight on her shoulders is such a blessing to her and us.”
Bergere, Annie Bilotta, Auna Tietz, Tisch Willians and one other woman from the Recycled Cycles Racing team set off on the Tokul Creek Trail on Feb. 17.
On mile 19 of their ride, a 75-pound male cougar latched onto Bergere and pinned her to the ground.
“I thought my teeth were coming loose, and I was going to swallow my teeth,” Bergere said while speaking to KUOW reporter Angela King. “I could feel the bones crushing.”
Her teammates quickly took action and fought the cougar with whatever means they could find, throwing rocks or choking the cougar to save their friend.
After 15 minutes, Bergere was able to crawl away from the cougar, allowing the other women to pin it under one of their bikes.
“I just laid there, and they continued the battle,” Bergere said.
The women stood on the bike until Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer Chris Moszeter arrived 30 minutes later and euthanized the cougar.
Bergere was then rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where she spent five days receiving treatment for her injuries.
“We are eternally grateful to [the staff at Harborview] and won’t forget the lessons they taught in compassion,” McCorkle wrote. “Every single person there went so far above and beyond.”
The 75-pound male cougar, once euthanized and removed by Fish and Wildlife officers, was sent to Washington State University for testing.
According to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory exam results, released on March 8, the cougar was in good health and had no evidence of disease, abnormalities or rabies.
During the autopsy, an earring of Bergere’s was found in the cougar’s stomach and has since been returned to her. Bergere plans to hang it up as a reminder of her friend’s courage.
For updates on Bergere’s recovery, visit the GoFundMe page.
Keri Bergere is still recovering from the February cougar attack. These photos document her progress, according to a post on GoFundMe. Photo courtesy of Kendal McCorkle
