How to Spot Key Deer in the Florida Keys

Key deer are tiny cousins of the white tail deer. They are an endangered species and only live in the Florida Keys and are no bigger than a Labrador Retriever. Even despite making a good recovery from 1955 when the population was down to about 25, it's estimated that only 300 to 500 of these deers are still around today.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Travel to Big Pine Key, the heart of the 9,200 acre National Key Deer Refuge, which was established in 1957 to protect the Key deer. Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Information Center on Key Deer located in the Winn Dixie center.

2. Drive along Watson Blvd. Often the deer can be spotted crossing the road. Drive slowly, though. Cars are a major danger for this animal, especially along U.S. 1, which crosses the deers tiny range. It is not uncommon for Key deers to be fatally struck by cars there.

3. Drive along Key Deer Blvd. The best times to drive in search of the tiny deer is morning and evening when they are most active. Have your cameras ready because not many people have pictures of this deer in the wild, nor do we know if it will be around for much longer.

4. You cannot feed the deer if you see them because it interferes with them staying self sufficient and can cause more harm than good.

5. There are plenty of walking trails in the National Key Deer Refuge that you can enjoy while on the look for the Key deer. Park your car and head out in nature to witness this deer in its natural habitat.

Resources

• National Key Deer Refuge