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Get ready to celebrate the adorable and unique Key Deer on March 11 with Key Deer Awareness Day! This special day is dedicated to raising awareness about these small and endangered deer that can only be found in the Florida Keys. These cuties are no taller than a medium-sized dog, making them one of the smallest species of deer in North America. Unfortunately, their population has decreased significantly over the years due to habitat loss and other factors. But through education and conservation efforts, we can help protect these precious animals for future generations to admire and appreciate. Let's show our love for Key Deer on this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Key Deer Discovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spanish explorers documented Key Deer for the first time during their trips to the Florida Keys in the 1500s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Key Deer Population Decline</div><div class='timeline-text'>Key Deer population began declining drastically due to hunting and habitat loss in the early 1900s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1957</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Protection Under National Key Deer Refuge</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 to protect the endangered Key Deer and their habitat.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Federal Recognition as Endangered Species</div><div class='timeline-text'>Key Deer were listed as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1967.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Improved Conservation Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>By 1999, conservation efforts led to the Key Deer population bouncing back to about 800 individuals, up from 30-50 in the 1950s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2022</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Awareness and Protection</div><div class='timeline-text'>Continuing efforts are made to raise awareness and protect the Key Deer, especially on Key Deer Awareness Day celebrated every March 11.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a Key Deer spotting adventure</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends or family and take a trip to the Florida Keys to spot some of the adorable Key Deer in their natural habitat. You can even make it a game to see who can spot the most deer!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself about Key Deer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read up on these unique and endangered animals. Learn about their behavior, habitat, and why they are important to the ecosystem.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local wildlife sanctuary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Contact a local wildlife sanctuary that works with Key Deer and see how you can get involved. You could help with feeding, cleaning, or even educating visitors about these special creatures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser for Key Deer conservation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your community together and organize a fundraiser for Key Deer conservation efforts. You could hold a bake sale, car wash, or even a fun run to raise money and awareness for these animals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread the word on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share information about Key Deer and their conservation. You could also encourage your friends and followers to donate to organizations that support these animals.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Key deer are endangered</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Key deer is a species of deer that is native to the Florida Keys and is currently listed as an endangered species. By raising awareness for these animals, we can help educate people on how to protect them and their habitat.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preserving biodiversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Key deer are important members of the ecosystem in the Florida Keys and play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. By celebrating Key Deer Awareness Day, we can highlight the importance of protecting all animal species, big or small.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Community involvement and conservation efforts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Key Deer Awareness Day brings together individuals, organizations, and communities to work towards protecting these animals. This day serves as a reminder for us to continue our efforts towards conservation and preserving the unique wildlife of the Florida Keys.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Key Deer are Among the Smallest Deer Species in the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>Weighing only between 45 to 75 pounds and standing about 26 to 30 inches at the shoulder, Key Deer are one of the smallest species of deer in the world. This truly adds to their unique appeal and vulnerability.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Key Deer are Excellent Swimmers</h3><p class='facts-content'>Adapted to their island habitat, Key Deer are excellent swimmers and often swim between islands in the Florida Keys in search of food and mates.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Key Deer Have Few Natural Predators</h3><p class='facts-content'>Key Deer have few natural predators, including alligators and bobcats. However, their biggest threats come from human activities such as habitat loss, collision with vehicles, and illegal feeding.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Key Deer are Herbivorous</h3><p class='facts-content'>Key deer eat a wide range of plant material, including leaves, twigs, fruits, and palms. In times of drought, they’re also known to eat mangrove leaves, a survival trait that helps them cope with changing environmental conditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Key Deer Can Live Up to 15 Years in the Wild</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite facing numerous challenges and threats, Key Deer have been known to live up to 15 years in the wild, making their struggle for survival even more important to support.</p></div></div>
Key Deer Awareness Day is celebrated on March 11 each year. In 2024, it will fall on a Monday.
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Mar 11
Saturday
2024
Mar 11
Monday
2025
Mar 11
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2026
Mar 11
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2027
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Thursday
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