A new study has found that the number of deer on Jekyll Island is far greater than what was estimated two years ago, and that some of the animals have health problems because of overpopulation.

The survey was done last fall by Jekyll Island staff with cooperation from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. It examined the health of six deer and found one animal to be in poor physical condition, three in fair condition and two in good condition.

Researchers found indications that the health of the animals is being impacted by the high population density, said Ben Carswell, director of conservation for the Jekyll Island Authority. The authority operates the island state park.

Tags: Jekyll Island, Jekyll Island Authority, deer