![]() |
Key Deer
|
||||||||||
Key
deer are classified as a subspecies of the much larger
Virginia white-tailed deer. The Key deer is
the smallest of the 28 subspecies of Virginia white-tailed deer. The Key deer's small size is believed to be an adaptation to ensure greater survival in a hot climate where there is limited food and water. It's believed Key deer probably migrated from the mainland thousands of years ago during the last glacial period when a land bridge existed, then were isolated as the sea rose to create the stepping stone of islands known as the Florida Keys.
To
help increase year-round habitat on some of these outer islands, Key
deer refuge personnel have dug water holes and put
out "guzzlers" which hold 500 to 1,000 gallons of rain water.
Due
to their isolation, Key deer have evolved
in several special ways. The
Key deer's only predator is man's best friend, the
dog. Refuge officials have dealt with this problem
effectively and efficiently by enforcing the county leash law.
Best
Month To Photograph Key Deer Close Neighbors: People and Key Deer
|
|
||||||||||
|
|||||||||||