Attacking deer was tamed by neighbors

It turns out that the wild deer that attacked a Clinton County couple last November was actually an animal that had been illegally harbored and fed by the victims' neighbors.

The Pa. Game Commission (PGC) reported this week that Ronald S. Underkoffler, 39, and Tina Underkoffler, 29, of Clintondale, were fined $300 plus court costs for harboring the six-point buck since it was a fawn.

On Nov. 15, around 7:30 a.m., two Fishing Creek Road residents were the victims of an unprovoked attack by the deer. A woman attempted to go into her backyard when she was confronted by the buck. Alerted to the situation, a man exited the house and attempted to chase the deer away.

In response, the animal repeatedly charged and gored him.

Two Pa. State Police officers responded to find the deer attacking the woman. They wrestled the buck away and killed it with their service revolvers.

PGC this week honored Corp. Todd A. Brian and Trooper Stephen E. Wilcox from the PSP Lamar barracks for their effective response.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the immediate response and decisive action of Cpl. Brian and Trooper Wilcox saved the lives of the two victims," said PGC Regional Director Dennis Dusza. "With only two full-time wildlife conservation officers serving Clinton County, it would have been virtually impossible for one of them to have responded in such a timely manner."

Dusza said the deer may have been agitated because of the "rut," which is the fall mating season for whitetails. However, its unusual behavior was more likely the result of its unnatural relationship with the neighbors, he added.