Key Deer

Thanks guys...looks like the deer will be OK.

Yesterday, October 11th, an article ran in the Miami Herald which is promising as to the survival of the Key Deer... "Since the storm, 26 deer deaths have been confirmed. Of those, biologists blamed 21 directly on the storm but have not determined the cause for the other five." As well, the article states..."Big Pine and the surrounding islands provide the last habitat for the planet’s last herd of the dog-sized deer, which now number about between 700 and 1,000." All things considered, the deer have weathered the storm fairly well. Recent rains have replenished fresh water sources, and vegetation on the key is recovering. Nature is resilient, and for their size these little deer are as tough as they come!

There was recent news from several online sources that in a recent video posting on the Monroe County Commission’s Facebook page, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Lt. Nicholas Johnson reported that a rescue crew came across a thirsty deer in the Keys. They offered bottles of water, and the deer drank 4 bottles. In my Notes posting above, I mentioned fresh water being contaminated by the Irma hurricane surge, which could endanger the deer. in an online article on "Enjoy the Silence"..."Hurricane Irma’s storm surge increased the salinity levels in much of the fresh water around the Florida Keys. Officials are growing concerned the salty water could impact the endangered Key deer along with birds, rabbits, butterflies and other species. As a result, wildlife experts are now asking for the publics help to provide fresh water." https://enjoythesilence.today/2017/09/21/endangered-key-deer-searching-fresh-water-hurricane-irma/ The deer survivors are facing a continuing threat that over time may be as devastating as the storm itself. Fresh water is a scarce commodity in the Keys, and and first responder and resident needs will be considered before water is offered to wildlife.

Thanks Daniele, and all who commented! These deer are tenacious! It will take some time to determine the impact of the storm to their population...but they are still with us.

Appreciate it, Leuba!

Thanks to Noah Rangers for the nomination, and Mark for the comment! Things are looking better for the deer...the Florida Weekly Key West Edition stated on 09/14..."These little fellas did really well during Irma. The fences that line US 1 into Big Pine Key are down so they are all over the road in packs. Just like after Hurricane Georges, they survived quite well. They are resilient little bastards and embody the spirit of Conch Republic residents. Drive carefully through Big Pine, they are everywhere!” – Rick Bravo, a Miami-Dade policeman working as a first responder in the Keys." Now the biggest threat to the deer, as it has been for years, is vehicular. Bravo for the deer!

Thanks, Daniele. US Fish & Wildlife is checking the survival situation, but it may take some time. It was pointed out that these deer have survived in the Keys since the ice age...so they probably know how to handle large storms, probably better than people.

Thanks, Rob. There are some early reports that deer had been spotted following the storm... https://www.axios.com/endangered-key-deer-spotted-after-irma-2484127213.html Prior to the storm, there were only about 1,000 deer in the preserve, and it remains to be seen how many are left. The roads to the area are still closed, so it may take some time to assess.