Just got back from my first visit to the National Key Deer Refuge on Big PIne and No Name Key. Saw one beautiful buck and 8 does. They are the size of a medium sized dog, and curious enough to come up to cars. This photo gives you an idea of the size of an adult doe standing in front of a car.
A second photo: there were 3 does in this group.
This message was edited Mar 3, 2011 3:45 PM
Two does walked out to the car. The Key Deer is the smallest subspecies of the White Tail Deer and is considered to be highly endangered, with less than 700 individuals. They have no natural preditors on these islands: most fatalities are caused by being hit by cars.
They are adorable!! Very easy to see that they are no match for an automobile which is very sad. I read story yesterday about Eastern Cougar being declared extinct.
This is one we saw...looked as if she was going to climb into the car...DH said, "Quick, roll up the windows!"
Aren't they cute? I'm sure they are used to handouts from people in cars, even though they are not supposed to be fed.
