Key+Deer+2010



By:Scott R.

Key deer are recognized by size, smaller than the average white-tail deer. There reddish-brown to gay-brown in color. Bucks usually weigh 55-75 lb and stand 30 inches tall to shoulders. Does usually weigh44-64 lb and have an average height of 26 inches at the shoulders. Mating may occur at any time of the year but usually peaks during mating season from September to November. Key Deer originally encompassed all of the lower Florida Keys, but they can range from Sugarloaf Key to Bahia Honda Key. The species feed on over 150 types of plants, but mangroves (red, white, and black) and thatch palm berries make up the most important part of their diet. Recent population estimates put the population between 300 and 800, putting it on the list of endangered species. Between thirty and forty Key Deer are killed per year. I think if people start driving more carefully, less deer will be killed.