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National Key Deer Refuge |
This refuge protects the Key deer, a miniature species maturing to the size of a large dog. By the 1950s, hunting had almost annihilated this relative of the Virginia whitetail. With only 250-300 of the animals remaining, the deer is still an endangered species. Many deer have collided with vehicles and been injured or killed. A 7/10-mile self-guided nature trail begins off Key Deer Blvd, north of the Blue Hole, and winds through the refuge area; early morning & evening hrs are best for viewing the deer. Refuge open daily, dawn-dusk; free to the public.
| Location | Big Pine Florida 33043 |
| Phone | 305-872-2239 |
| Website |
http://www.thefloridakeys.com/parks/deer.htm
These tiny deer are not found anywhere else in the world. It is believed that the Key deer migrated to the Keys from the mainland thousands of years ago. The Wisconsin Glacier melted, and the sea rose dividing the land into small islands now known as the Florida Keys and trapping the deer. The Key deer are a subspecies of the Virginia white ... |
