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04/14/2024

04/14/2024

Be on the lookout for endangered baby Key deer!

It's fawning season in the Florida Keys. From late April through the end of summer, Key deer are giving birth. These micro deer are very small when compared to other species of native deer. Small adults = small babies. The fawns typically weigh around 2 pounds at birth.

The period after birth is very critical to the survival of a young fawn, as they are still bonding and imprinting with their mother. Here are some ways to help protect Key deer.

🦌If you find yourself in the Florida Keys, always drive the speed limit and watch out for Key deer crossing the road.

🦌If a young doe and fawn approach you, please walk away as interactions with humans can confuse the fawns during the time they are imprinting on their mothers.

🦌Do not feed or touch the Key deer as it is illegal and acclimates them to humans, causing them to gather on roadsides to beg for food.

🦌Don't move a Key deer fawn. Mama deer will often leave her fawn alone for periods of time as she forages. Walk away to allow the mother time to locate the baby.

🦌Finally, please keep dogs leashed in Key deer habitat to help keep fawns safe during this vulnerable time.

Photo by Kristie Killam/USFWS

04/14/2024

04/14/2024