Horror as gran mauled to death by deer

Jodi Proger has been mauled to death by a deer she helped to rescue (Image: Jodi Wheezer Proger/Facebook)

An animal-loving grandmother, who spent 12 years rehabilitating dozens of injured whitetail deer, has tragically been mauled to death by one of the animals in Ohio.

Jodi Proger, 64, was killed by a buck on November 15 after becoming trapped inside an enclosure, WSYX reported. It is still uncertain which deer was responsible for the fatal attack, as several were inside the enclosure with Jodi when she was discovered. 

Belmont County police officers were forced to shoot one of the bucks after struggling to gain access to the pen in order to reach Jodi’s son. 

The grandmother was killed by a buck on November 15 (Image: Jodi Wheezer Proger/Facebook)

According to the officers, the deer became overly aggressive as they approached, creating a dangerous situation that left them with no choice but to act to ensure safety.

Jodi’s devotion to caring for deer began in 2013 when she witnessed a doe being struck and killed by a car. Moved by the sight of the animal’s days-old fawn circling its mother’s body, she stopped her car and ran across the highway to rescue it. 

She named the baby Wheezer and cared for him for two years, but her efforts drew a complaint from a local resident. 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources initially threatened to cull Wheezer, yet after Jodi explained her plan to establish a rehabilitation centre for deer, she was permitted to keep him, marking the start of her lifelong mission to save and nurture the animals.

After Jodi’s death, questions quickly arose about whether Wheezer, the deer she had rescued and raised, was responsible, given how familiar and comfortable she was around him.

However, Jodi’s daughter, Jennifer Bryan, emotionally addressed the speculation on social media, firmly dismissing the rumours and making it clear that Wheezer was not to blame.

Ms Bryan wrote on Facebook: "Wheezer DID NOT kill my mom. He was neutered per the requirements of [Ohio Department of Natural Resources] when she received her permit. My mom knew the dangers of owning deer.

“She worked within Belmont county to rescue and aide [sic] many animals over her lifespan. This is a sad tragedy and we deserve RESPECT and time to grieve.”