BREAKING: Third Key Deer Spotted Inside Fenced Big Pine Property as Residents Await Response
Younger deer seen Sunday morning; as of 4 p.m., no action had been taken by the College of the Florida Keys, Monroe County or FWC to release the animals.
BIG PINE KEY, Fla. — At least a third Key deer — described as a younger animal — was spotted and photographed Sunday morning inside the fenced former state prison property at 450 Key Deer Blvd., raising additional concern after two adult does were reported trapped at the site Saturday evening, said Save Our Key Deer president Valeri Preziosi.
The property, owned by the State of Florida and leased by the College of the Florida Keys, first drew attention Saturday when residents reported two endangered Key deer inside the fenced compound and contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline seeking assistance. Additionally, Preziosi contacted members of the Monroe County Commission and staff at the College of the Florida Keys but never received a response.
As of about 7:45 p.m. Saturday, the two does were still believed to be inside the property, Preziosi said. She said they have not been able to confirm whether those deer were able to escape the confines of the recently repaired fence or not.
Sunday morning’s sighting confirmed that at least three deer — including the younger animal — were inside the fenced site, Preziosi said.
Numerous residents again contacted the Wildlife Alert Hotline Sunday morning, but callers were transferred to a staff member associated with the nearby National Key Deer Refuge, who told them the property owners had been notified and that the deer did not necessarily need to be released because deer can obtain moisture from vegetation, Preziosi said.
Preziosi disputed that explanation, noting the Lower Keys are currently experiencing a prolonged dry season and that many seasonal water sources in the area have already dried up.
“Deer can obtain water from vegetation only when very succulent vegetation is available,” Preziosi said. “Another concern is that deer become stressed when they feel trapped by fencing.”
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission later indicated an officer would be sent to the property with a key to open the gate and allow the animals to exit, Preziosi said, however, she described them as sounding “annoyed.”
As of 4 p.m. Sunday, however, no action had been taken by the College of the Florida Keys, Monroe County or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to open the gate or otherwise attempt to release the trapped deer, Preziosi said.
The endangered Key deer, a small subspecies of white-tailed deer found only in the Lower Florida Keys, are protected under federal law and frequently move through neighborhoods and undeveloped areas on Big Pine Key and surrounding islands.
The fenced property has recently drawn scrutiny as the College of the Florida Keys advances controversial plans to redevelop the former prison site into a commercial truck-driving training facility in the heart of prime Key deer habitat.
Residents who photographed the younger deer Sunday morning said they remain concerned about the animals’ welfare until the gate is opened and the deer are able to leave the enclosure.