The endangered Key Deer reside on a few islands in the Lower Florida Keys.  Development and human encroachment has led to the injury and death of the endangered Key Deer as the deer becomes entangled with human garbage.  PVC pipe fittings are expecially dangerous because the deer step through the pipes, which then become stuck.  This may lead to necrosis and impairment of movement.  Deer have become entangled in fishing lines, fishing nets, fishing hooks, common household garbage and ropes.  The Key Deer are suffering as these entanglements impact their health and well being.  

We are requesting that the USFWS develop a proactive and consistent plan to provide field treatment for the Key Deer when they become impacted by human garbage.  This plan should include the use of the appropriate equipment to safely subdue the deer to remove the items.  The officers also need the appropriate training to use the equipment.   A local nonprofit, Save Our Key Deer, Inc., has offered to purchase drive nets if the agencies agree to receive training and use them.  The USFWS also needs to develop a plan which addresses the Key Deer entanglements and injuries in a timely manner.  This plan needs to be transparent and communicated to the public to ensure that the Key Deer can coexist with human populations.