SPCA investigates headless deer found in Barnum Island

The body of a deer, with the head missing, was found Sunday in an overgrown area of Barnum Island, officials said.

The officials said the body was found on vacant land near the water where Nevada Avenue and Georgia Street meet and end near Shell Creek.

Local residents first reported the body to Nassau County police, which called the Nassau SPCA about 10 a.m. Sunday, Brian Wasserman, a detective with the SPCA said.

He said it was being treated as a case of illegal hunting or illegal dumping.