Officials are investigating the discovery of a deceased woman found Wednesday morning in a wooded area behind the Ameristar Casino Hotel on Washington Street.

Chief of Police Penny Jones confirmed officers responded to a 911 call just after 8 a.m. after a local homeless individual found the body and alerted a casino patron, who then contacted authorities.

Jones reported that the woman was found inside a tent  in an area commonly occupied by members of the homeless community.

Jones said there were no immediate signs of foul play.

The woman appeared to have been dead for more than a week. Several animals believed to have been her pets were also found at the scene.

The body has been transported to a local funeral home and is awaiting further examination by medical authorities to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Vicksburg Police Department.