CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A Shippensburg family experienced an unexpected disturbance when five deer crashed through their front door on April 9, 2026.
According to witnesses, Owen Eichenlaub was preparing his 6-year-old daughter for school when the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Reports indicate that one deer was killed upon impact, breaking its neck at the foot of the stairs, while four others initially entered the home.
Emergency responders were not required, but Eichenlaub reported significant damage, including hoof marks on the hardwood floors and a hole in the dining room wall. He stated that he spent hours cleaning blood from the carpet and assessing the destruction.
One deer failed to exit with the others and became trapped in the kitchen, while another slammed into the electric garage door, causing it to malfunction. At least two garage panels will need replacement.
Eichenlaub noted that deer are frequently seen in the neighborhood, but the exact cause for their sudden charge toward the home remains unclear. He expressed that he will be more prepared should a similar situation arise in the future.