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The
Little Key Deer
(click on an image to see a larger picture)
 The Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) is a subspecies of the Virginia
white-tailed deer. These deer inhabit Big Pine Key and various surrounding keys.
The Key deer is smallest of all white-tailed deer. They are not found anywhere
else in the world.
Due to uncontrolled hunting and habitat destruction, their numbers were
estimated less than 50 animals in 1940's. With the establishment of National Key
Deer Refuge in 1957 and intensive law enforcement efforts, the population has
since increased and has now stabilized. Present population is 250 to 300 deer
with two-thirds of this population located on Big Pine Key.
The shoulder height of Key deer is between 24-28 inches. Does weight 45-65
pounds while bucks weigh 55 to 75. Rutting season activities begin in September,
peaking in early October and decreasing gradually through November and December.
Some breeding may occur as late as February. The gestation period is 204 days
with fawns born April through June. At birth fawns weigh 2 to 4 pounds. Antlers
are dropped February through March, and re-growth begins almost immediately so
that by June, bucks with 2-inch stubs are seen. Antler growth is completed by
August, and velvet is rubbed and kicked off in early September.
They 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 also essential for their survival. They must also have suitable
habitat to ensure their future existence.
No records exist documenting the origin of the deer in the keys. It is believed
the deer migrated to the keys from the mainland many thousands of years ago,
across a long land bridge. As the Wisconsin Glacier melted, the sea rose
dividing the land bridge into small islands now known as the Florida Keys.
 The earliest mention of Key deer is found in the 18th century memoirs of
Fontaneda, a shipwrecked Spaniard held captive by the local Indians. Records
suggest that the deer were found around Key West and were used for food by
residents and ship crews alike. Although early records indicated sporadic wider
distribution of Key deer throughout the lower keys, current data indicates they
occupy a range from Johnson Keys to Saddlebunch Keys.
As of now the deer have come
back in such large numbers (700-800) that they are even trying to export them to
Cudjoe Key. This is a great example of how conservation can work.
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 Deer fighting video
taken with a Sony DSC-F717 digital camera on movie
mode. It even has sound. If you turn up your speakers you can hear them
thrashing in the woods and hear the horns clacking and their heavy
breathing. On the first video near the beginning, you can hear him sort of
growl. The were at it for about twenty minutes and they didn't seem to
pay me much mind. I was naked and maybe they thought I was a hairless Keys
Skunk Ape.
Deer Fight 1
Deer Fight 2
Deer Fight 3
Deer Fight 4
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Here's a recipe to
keep the deer out of your garden. (It hasn't been tried it in the Keys
yet)
1 c milk
1 egg
2 T liquid dish soap
1 Gallon water
Mix and put in spray bottle. Spray it on plants you want to protect.
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