A woman tragically lost her life to a deer she had rescued and tried to tame when the animal suddenly became aggressive.
Grandmother Jodi Proger, aged 64, was fatally injured by the deer on November 15 while she was accidentally locked inside an enclosure with it. Her journey of rescuing deer began in 2013 following an incident where she witnessed a doe being hit by a car on a highway.
Jodi’s rescue efforts included saving a fawn that was only a few days old, found circling its deceased mother by the roadside. She vividly described how she swiftly picked up the young deer and took it under her care.
She named the fawn Wheezer and went to great lengths to protect him when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources received a complaint and threatened to euthanize the deer. Despite the challenges, Jodi managed to keep the rescued animal by her side.
In a 2015 interview with 12 On Your Side, Jodi likened Wheezer to a dog, showcasing their bond through photos on her Facebook page where they were seen celebrating various occasions like Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day in matching attire.
Prior to her tragic demise, Jodi had brought home four other does and bucks, all featured in her social media posts. It was clarified later by Jodi’s daughter, Jennifer Bryan, in a Facebook post that Wheezer was not responsible for the fatal incident and had been neutered as per the state requirements.
Bryan emphasized that Jodi, a licensed animal caretaker, was well aware of the risks associated with owning deer and had dedicated her life to rescuing and aiding animals in Belmont county. She requested privacy and respect for their family to mourn the loss.
Appreciating Jodi’s commitment, Bryan praised her mother’s efforts, highlighting her official permit to care for animals. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Jodi’s death.
While deer-related fatalities in the US are primarily due to vehicle collisions, it is noted that deer account for over 96% of all wildlife-related deaths in the country annually.