KEY WEST, FL, July 15, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are actively collaborating to safely remove Key deer from the College’s Big Pine Key property. USFWS wildlife professionals continue to monitor the deer, which remain healthy while the agencies refine plans to safely remove them from the site.

The agencies have been in communication about Key deer on the property since January, with planning for the removal beginning in March. Based on recommendations from USFWS wildlife professionals and cooperating veterinarians, removal efforts were delayed until a resident fawn reached four months of age to ensure it could safely leave with the adult deer. Through continuous monitoring, wildlife experts and cooperating veterinarians have confirmed that the deer are in good health and have access to sufficient and appropriate food and water sources.  

"I've examined the deer intermittently throughout their confinement at the old prison site. On each occasion I noted that all the deer appeared to be in excellent health. There was ample food and fresh water available to them at all times,” reported veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader. “There is an older fawn present with four adults, and the fawn also is in excellent condition and eating well on its own."  

Mader has over 40 years of experience caring for wildlife, including 29 years with Key deer, working directly with the USFWS on responding to and treating injured Key deer. 

“Removing the Key deer from the 10-acre property, which is covered in dense vegetation, is a unique and complex task,” said Kevin Kalasz, USFWS Coordinator for joint USFWS/FWC Key Deer Research and Response Program, USFWS Florida Ecological Services Field Office. “We are prioritizing tactics that are gentle and minimize stress on the deer.” 

Last week, USFWS-led teams, supported by trained volunteers assembled by the partnering agencies, traversed the College’s property to guide the deer through a newly installed back gate into surrounding habitat. The operation was overseen by wildlife biologists and cooperating veterinarians. The property’s thick brush and vegetation — including poisonwood — combined with rain and the deer’s instinct to seek cover, complicated the effort. Although no deer left the property during the initial operation, USFWS and its partners gained valuable information and are refining their approach to overcome various complexities in a way that is safe and efficient before resuming efforts. 

“The staff and volunteers who came together for this first effort showed real dedication and care,” said Nikki Colangelo, Manager, Division of Classification and Recovery, USFWS Florida Ecological Services Field Office. “Guiding Key deer safely means reading their behavior moment to moment, and the thick brush and poisonwood on this property, along with the rain, added real complexity to that work. We’re grateful for everyone’s patience, and we remain focused on completing this removal safely. The deer remain healthy, and we will continue to monitor them until they are removed.” 

The College has had a long-term lease with the state since 2021 to develop the site that previously housed the Big Pine Key Road Prison to expand educational and training opportunities in the Lower Keys, in alignment with its mission, as required by the State of Florida. Located on Key Deer Boulevard, it is zoned as Suburban Commercial and not within the boundary of the National Key Deer Refuge. 

The property contains 16 structures, which have deteriorated since the prison closed in 2017. “Due to the condition of the property and existing buildings, it is not safe to leave it open,” said Dr. Brittany Snyder, CFK Executive Vice President & CFO. “It is the College’s responsibility and obligation to secure the property and restrict access to prevent potential harm to humans.” 

Maintaining a secure perimeter has also presented challenges. The gate and lock were vandalized twice, and the back fence was damaged earlier this month. FWC and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) are investigating the case. The College has since repaired the gate, replaced the lock, installed security cameras, and reinforced the fence line with rock. 

“The College is grateful to our local, state, and federal partners for their continued collaboration and expertise,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President and CEO. “We will continue to work with these agencies and other stakeholders as we pursue opportunities that benefit individuals and the economy while respecting the environment and character of the Keys.” 

CFK will share an additional update once the deer have been successfully removed. 

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