National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center

Category: Nature preserve

Address: 30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, USA

Phone: +13058720774

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10AM–3PM

Thursday: 10AM–3PM

Friday: 10AM–3PM

Saturday: 10AM–3PM

Reviews

Jeff Brooks

Nov 3, 2022

Smallest full grown deer I've ever seen .seen 4 but only got a picture of one .also there was an old trail at the end of the road seems like it haven't been kept up with in a while so be careful if u go there.the blue pond was great n the other trail was great just didn't see any deer there

Misty Lizarralde

Oct 27, 2022

A bit off of the beaten path but we saw so many cool things! A few Key deer, sharks, and many fish! Take the paths recommended by the guides and you'll see so many fun things!

Adela Nieto (Babyboom)

Oct 4, 2022

A very cool place although the landscape is not the most beautiful. The coolest thing is to walk through the different trails where you can see deer, crocodiles and different birds. We were lucky and were able to see all 3 things. I recommend bringing a hat and some water because there is no shade and it is quite hot depending on the time you go.

Connie Molinaro

Sep 11, 2022

This couple who were working on 9/8 were a wealthy of information to this species of deer and other animals native to the Keys. Just after we spoke with them, a r came right into the parking lot! BE CAREFUL not to speed because these deer are everywhere and you can see them along the road.

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Questions & Answers

Are there any zoos that can help the remaining healthy Key Deers. What is being done erradicate the screw worms on them and I. The area??

Donna Grossman | Nov 3, 2019
Chadd Drott | Nov 3, 2019

Great questions Donna! To answer both, yes! There are zoos that could help the population and are, the Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa Bay, FL. took in an orphan fawn earlier this year and have nursed it back to health. (You may Google this by typing in: Key Deer in zoos) To the second part of your question on Oct. 3rd 2016 the USDA APHIS announced an outbreak of Screwworm in Monroe County, FL. Unfortunately they have not been eradicated fully off of the key to date, but strong measures are being taken to combat the fly, and full eradication is expected. (You may also Google this one just click on the USDA site) However as I have been doing a documentary on the Key Deer over the last two years I can report their numbers are good and heards are healthy! I was down there for the months of Oct. and Nov. 2018 and saw great rebound after Irma. Hope this helps!

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Is there a fee to pay?

Nancy Garrido | Sep 3, 2022
Fernando C. Lopez | Sep 3, 2022

No fee

Is there a fee to get in?

Anne Gutkowski | Nov 2, 2020
Joe Natale | Nov 2, 2020

No, the refuge and Nature Center are free to visit.

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What information do you have to take the Florida Key Deer off the list of Endangered species with only less than 1,000 deer and their Only habitat is Florida ?

Jane Phares, Harless | Nov 3, 2019
Eleanor Dean | Nov 3, 2019

We take a ride around the side streets, always find some on people's property eating

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Anonymous | Nov 2, 2022
Anonymous | Nov 2, 2022

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How much does it cost

Lenin Guerrero | Nov 3, 2018
Jane kinney | Nov 3, 2018

It's free.

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I am confused...it has been said as fact that the Key deer came to there current location during the last Ice age on a land bridge. However, as far as I can see that Ice age never got close to the keys?

Marc Zeitlin | Nov 3, 2018
Sarah Steele Cabrera | Nov 3, 2018

During the last ice age, sea level was much lower than it is today and the Florida Keys were connected to the mainland US by land that is currently underwater. Deer migrated using that exposed land, which was later flooded and separated from the mainland when the glaciers melted. Over thousands of years of isolation, the deer that inhabited the Keys adapted to the environment and evolved as a distinct subspecies of the white-tailed deer.

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Is it possible to get a pair of key deer to raise and breed?

Richard Cauble | Nov 3, 2017
Dustin Wiggins | Nov 3, 2017

If it were possible it would only be for approved rehabilitation centers, sanctuaries or zoos. If you are an approved rehabilitation center or sanctuary there would still be months or possibly years of research needed to discover if there is a need for such a breeding program. Once (if) that is verified then the paperwork required to verify the safety, experience, professionalism, past history, etc before getting approval may take more time. Then probably at least one or more years working with the local santuary to provide the right candidates for the situation. I hope that helps. 😀

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Irma has passed, have any of the Key Deer been saved?

A Google User | Nov 3, 2017
Donald Hill | Nov 3, 2017

Lots of Deer have been seen after the storm.

What happens to key deer durin this hurricane?

Charlene Fragala | Nov 3, 2017
Donald Hill | Nov 3, 2017

As the storm approached is the barometric pressure drops in the deers naturally seek cover.

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