Key deer  (Odocoileus virginianus clavium)

The Key deer is the smallest subspecies of the white-tailed deer in North America, and is sometimes called ‘toy deer' due its small size (3). When compared to other white-tailed deer, Key deer are shorter and stockier, with shorter legs and a wider skull (2). The coat colour ranges from deep reddish brown to grey, and a dark mask or cross is often present between the eyes and on the brow (3). Bucks (males) typically develop forked antlers by their second year (4); these antlers will normally have eight points by the fourth year of life (2). The Key deer was first recognised as a distinct subspecies in 1922 (2).