Key deer are one of the Florida Keys' most beloved wildlife stories. These small white-tailed deer live only in the Lower Keys, especially around Big Pine Key, and their survival is tied to decades of conservation work.

From Decline To Protection

Habitat loss, hunting, and vehicle strikes once pushed Key deer numbers dangerously low. The creation of the National Key Deer Refuge helped protect habitat and gave the population a chance to recover.

Seeing Key Deer Responsibly

If you visit deer habitat, drive slowly, keep your distance, and never feed wildlife. Responsible viewing helps keep this conservation success story moving in the right direction.