Key Deer

Key deer are protected under the Endangered Species Act and Florida state law. Intentionally killing one is punishable by up to one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Can you touch a Key deer?

Feeding, touching or capturing, or harassing of Key deer, alligators and other wildlife is strictly prohibited.

How big is a Key deer?

This is the smallest race of North American deer. Adults measure 25 to 30 inches at the shoulder and have an average weight of 55 to 75 pounds for males and 45-65 pounds for females. The body is stockier, legs shorter, and skull wider than other races of white-tailed deer.

Why are Key deer only in the keys?

The Key Deer, member of a sub-species of the Virginia white-tailed deer, is found nowhere else in the world. It is thought that they came to the Keys from the mainland across a long land bridge and were isolated from their relatives, somewhere from 6,000 to 12,000 years ago, when the Wisconsin Glacier melted.

Are Key deer afraid of humans?

Because Key deer have lost their fear of humans, there is a serious problem with people illegally feeding them. This makes the deer more vulnerable to dog attacks or getting entangled in fences.

What is the penalty for killing a Key deer?

Intentionally killing a Key deer is punishable by a maximum one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Officials will pay $5,000 if information in this deer's shooting leads to a conviction.

What is the best time of day to see Key deer?

If you want to see the Key deer, they wander freely throughout refuge lands and our local community. The best time to spot them is early in the morning or towards sunset, although mid-day sightings occur as well.

How many Key deer are left?

The current Key deer population is estimated to be 700 to 800 deer, with the greatest concentrations on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. While its population is considered stable for now, the Key deer remains listed as a federally endangered species.

What should I stay away from in Key West?

What NOT To Do On Your Key West Vacation

• Don't Drive in Key West.
• Don't Think Duval Street Has All the Restaurants. ...
• Don't Let Prices Scare You Off. ...
• Don't Forget These Key West Essentials: ...
• Don't Feel Bad Taking a Trolley or Train Tour. ...
• Don't Miss Sunset in Key West. ...
• Don't Expect Sandy Beaches.

Can you hunt Key deer?

Hunting them was banned in 1939, but widespread poaching and habitat destruction caused the subspecies to plummet to near-extinction by the 1950s. The National Key Deer Refuge, a federally administered National Wildlife Refuge operated by the Wildlife Service, was established in 1957.

Where can you find Key deer?

Just visit the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. There, the Key deer, as this subspecies of Virginia white-tailed deer are known, are about the size of a big dog.

What animals eat key deers?

Primary predators of juvenile Key deer are American Alligators and Crocodiles. Predators of adult Key deer are humans.

Are there bears in the Keys?

Yes, We Have Bears In Florida! Before settlement by the early Europeans, Florida black bears occupied all of the Florida mainland, including some coastal islands and larger keys.

Are there any alligators in the Keys?

The answer is yes, there are definitely alligators in the Florida Keys. What is this? The type of alligator present in the swamps, ponds, rivers, and lakes of the Keys is the common American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). People often confuse alligators with crocodiles, but there are both in the Florida Keys.

Can Key deer drink salt water?

Key deer feed on native plants such as red, black and white mangroves, thatch palm berries and over 150 other species of plants. Key deer can tolerate small amounts of salt in their water and they will also drink brackish water, but fresh water is essential for their survival.

Do deer recognize you?

They first recognize you at a distance when they see you, then verify your smell as you get closer, while listening all the time. They tend to ignore you if you're on their “safe” list, and move away if you're someone who hassles them.

Do deer like being petted?

If they lay down to relax somewhere they might even let you touch them but usually, they will not enjoy being petted.

Do deer feel pain when you shoot them?

Deer are mammals, so their nervous system resembles a human's, Ross said. They likely have similar perceptions and reactions to ours, but the degree to which they feel pain is subjective, most researchers say.

Do you have to hang a deer after killing it?

The deer stiffens during rigor mortis in the 24 hours after being killed. If it is processed during this time, the muscles shorten and contract causing the meat to become tough. You should let your deer hang for 2 to 4 days at minimum before processing to avoid this.

How long do you have after killing a deer?

While opinions vary, it's generally accepted that a heart shot deer can be recovered right away, double lung shot deer can be tracked within 30 to 90 minutes, a single lung or liver hit deer should likely be given closer to 4 to 6 hours, and a gut hit deer should be given 8 to 12 or more hours.