Belmont County, OH — A Stewartsville woman was found dead Saturday night after what officials describe as a fatal animal attack involving a male deer kept in a private pen, according to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday after a frantic call reported that Jodi Proger, had been attacked and was unable to escape the enclosure. When authorities arrived, family members told them that Proger had become trapped inside the pen with the aggressive deer moments before the deadly encounter.
Deputies Neutralize Deer After Violent Attack
Sheriff James Zusack confirmed that when deputies reached the property, they found the deer behaving aggressively and posing a continued threat. Officers were forced to dispatch the animal on-site for safety reasons.
Unfortunately, despite the rapid response, Proger was pronounced dead at the scene. According to investigators, she suffered severe trauma consistent with an attack by a large buck.
Family Says Deer Was Being Kept at Home
Family members told authorities that the male deer was being kept on the property in an enclosed pen. The circumstances of why the deer was housed there, how long it had been kept, and whether it was properly permitted are all under review.
The nature of the enclosure and the details of how Proger ended up trapped inside remain under investigation. However, officials have emphasized that no foul play is suspected at this time.
State Agencies Now Involved in Investigation
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is working alongside the Ohio Department of Agriculture to determine:
- Whether the deer was legally kept
- If the enclosure met state requirements
- Whether additional safety violations may have played a role
Male deer—especially during mating season—are known to exhibit unpredictable and violent behavior, something experts say can escalate quickly in confined spaces.
Community Shocked by Unusual Attack
Fatal deer attacks are extremely rare, particularly those involving captive animals. News of Proger’s death has shaken the quiet rural community, where neighbors say the family is well-known and the incident has left them devastated.
Authorities have not released further details about the victim’s injuries or the deer’s condition prior to the attack, as per WTOV9.
Investigation Continues
Sheriff Zusack said the investigation is ongoing as officials review the property and collect statements from family members who were present during the emergency call. More information is expected once ODNR completes its assessment.
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