A woman tragically lost her life to a deer she had rescued and cared for in an attempt to make it a domestic pet. Jodi Proger, a 64-year-old grandmother, was fatally attacked by the deer on November 15 when she became trapped with it in an enclosure. Her journey with rescuing deer began in 2013 after witnessing a doe’s death on a highway.
Jodi’s involvement with deer rescue intensified when she saved a fawn just days old, found wandering near its deceased mother. Despite facing opposition from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Jodi successfully kept the fawn, named Wheezer, with her. She even likened Wheezer to a dog in a 2015 interview, showcasing their close bond on social media platforms.
Before her tragic end, Jodi had also taken in four other deer, sharing their stories and photos on her Facebook page. Following the incident, Jodi’s daughter clarified that Wheezer was not responsible for the fatal attack, as he had been neutered as required by the authorities.
Highlighting Jodi’s commitment to animal welfare, her daughter emphasized the need for respect and mourning. Despite being licensed to care for the animals, an investigation by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Jodi’s death.
While deer-related fatalities are mostly linked to vehicle collisions in the US, they account for a significant portion of wildlife-related deaths. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with keeping wild animals in captivity.
