Key Deer

One of the most unique things about living on our island is the endangered Key Deer, a sub-species of the Virginia White-tailed Deer.  It's believed that Key Deer were stranded here after the Wisconsin Glacier melted thousands of years ago and formed the islands after the sea level rose.  They are small - only about 3ft tall - and, sadly, many of them are not afraid of humans at all.  Here's a picture of one that walked right up to me and the kids this morning.

If you see deer, please don't feed them!  This makes them lose their fear of humans, which makes them way more susceptible to getting hit by cars, attacked by dogs, and transmitting or catching diseases.  If they come around human subdivisions more, then they are more likely to do annoying things like rummage in trashcans and eat all our plants!  While it is irritating to have to drive slow on the roads and cage every plant and tree in my yard so they don't eat or rub their antlers on them, it is really neat to have these gentle, beautiful creatures walking around everywhere I look!  Besides.....they were here first.