Back in the in the 1940s, hunting and habitat loss nearly led to their extinction, as Key deer numbers fell to less than 50 animals. Establishment of the National Key Deer Refuge in 1957 tossed a lifeline to help this tiny subspecies survive. In addition to vehicle collisions, Key deer face danger from parasitic screwworms, which have sadly eliminated about 10 percent of the population. Despite the difficulties, Key Deer remain a part of Florida’s unique ecology.
My original Florida Key Deer fine art is 36 x 24 inches on canvas, and depicts a doe with her fawn, wading in a coastal estuary.