A devoted animal-loving grandmother was tragically mauled to death by a deer she had rescued after becoming trapped inside its enclosure.
Jodi Proger, 64, dedicated 12 years to rehabilitating numerous injured whitetail deer on her five-acre property in Stewartsville, Ohio, prior to her unfortunate passing.
Jodi Proger, 64, with her beloved pet Wheezer before she was tragically killed by one of the deerCredit: FacebookJodi had dedicated 12 years to rescuing deer and had even managed to domesticate themCredit: Facebook
The grandmother was killed by a buck on November 15 after becoming trapped inside an enclosure, WSYX reported.
It is still unclear which deer was responsible for the attack, as multiple animals were present with Jodi at the time of the incident.
One of the bucks was shot by Belmont County police officers after they faced challenges entering the pen to locate Jodi’s body.
Authorities described the deer as overly aggressive as they approached.
Jodi was deeply committed to rescuing and nurturing deer after witnessing a doe being killed by a vehicle in 2013.
She stopped her car and ran across the highway to save its days-old fawn, which was heartbreakingly circling around its deceased mother.
She named the fawn Wheezer and cared for him for two years until receiving a complaint from a disgruntled local resident.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources threatened to cull Wheezer, but after Jodi explained her plans to start a rehabilitation center for deer, she was permitted to keep him.
As Wheezer grew, Jodi likened him to a large dog with antlers.
Her social media frequently featured the large animal roaming around her home and even sleeping on Jodi’s bed.
Concerns quickly emerged regarding Wheezer's potential involvement in Jodi’s death due to her comfort around him.
An emotional Jennifer Bryan, Jodi’s daughter, took to social media to clarify the situation.
She stated: “Wheezer DID NOT kill my mom.
“He was neutered as per the requirements of the [Ohio Department of Natural Resources] when she obtained her permit.”
At the time of her passing, Jodi was caring for four other does and bucks.
Bryan emphasized: “My mom was aware of the risks associated with owning deer.
“She worked within Belmont County to rescue and assist many animals throughout her life.
“This is a tragic situation, and we deserve RESPECT and time to mourn.”
Male whitetail deer can reach heights of over three feet at the shoulder and can weigh up to 300 pounds, according to the National Park Service.
Investigations into Jodi’s death are ongoing.
This tragic attack follows a recent incident in Canada involving a group of fourth and fifth graders and teachers on a school trip, resulting in at least 11 injuries.
A group of students was reportedly on a walk with their teachers when a fierce animal attacked them.
It also follows a young wrestler's account of an encounter with a bear, where he described feeling like “a snack” after sustaining injuries from a female grizzly in the Wyoming wilderness.
Jodi and Wheezer were inseparable, often wearing matching outfits during the holidaysCredit: Facebook
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Jodi Proger, 64, with her beloved pet Wheezer before she was tragically killed by one of the deerCredit: Facebook
Jodi had dedicated 12 years to rescuing deer and had even managed to domesticate themCredit: Facebook
Jodi and Wheezer were inseparable, often wearing matching outfits during the holidaysCredit: Facebook
