Key Deer Wildlife Observation Site
P.O. Box 430510
About
Big Pine Key is the largest island associated with the National Key Deer Refuge. It is the only permanent source of fresh water. Plant communities include stunted pinewoods and the unusual species of gumbo-limbo and poisonwood. The outreaching islands are primarily mangrove forests. This low-laying subtropical refuge was established in the 1940s for the purpose of protecting the endangered Key deer. Today, the herd is approximately 500. A reliable place to see the tiny Key deer is along Watson Boulevard that runs off County Road 940. Visitors are prohibited from feeding the deer or any other refuge wildlife. Another good location is at Blue Hole quarry. This site teems with turtles, alligators, and fish. Botanical enthusiasts will enjoy the Jack C. Watson Wildlife Trail, which highlights indigenous plants. Island excursions offer sights of shorebirds, mergansers, terns, wading birds, eagles, osprey, sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, lobsters, stone crabs, barracudas, horseshoe crabs, and much more. The small visitor center provides brochures on the various sites and trails. The hours are Monday through Friday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
