Key Deer

[Judd Patterson]

http://www.juddpatterson.com/NSN/key_deer2.jpg

endangered Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium)
Canon 5D, 17-40mm @ 33mm
1/250, f/8, ISO 800

This male Key Deer was quite curious as he sniffed my camera for a morsel. I didn't feed him (it's illegal) but it was obvious that he associated humans with food. The lack of fear that they show is fun to observe, but has resulted in hundreds of dead Key Deer along US 1 and other roads through their Florida Key habitat. On average an adult male Key Deer weighs 55-75 pounds and stands just 30 inches tall at the shoulder. I combined a small portion of a second exposure to get a sharp nose on this guy.

[Ken Watkins]

You did very well to get nose to ears sharp, I would like to see a whole one do you have any ?

[Sid Garige]

Wonderful job Judd. Great details and on your face image.

[Harold Davis]

sad story, fantastic image!!! made me laugh, judd!! i like the work you did putting the sharp nose on him. looks awesome!!

[Alfred Forns]

Love it Judd !!! Have seen them many time and they sure are cute !!!

They still depend on humans for food and don't think they could make it on their own? Best place for these guys is at Big Pine Key !!!

[Vincent Grafhorst]

Cool photo Judd, you did a great job on the blend here. Did you make any similar shots at a wider angle? Or maybe with its tongue out?

[Jason Kinsey]

Now that is in your face!!! Great job getting all of his head sharp!!!

[D. Robert Franz]

Love the perspective achieved here......

[Sebastian Erras]

Hey Judd,

i have visited them in mid July and I was amazed on how curious they are and easy it is to approach them.
I wanted to take a similar image but i didn't manage to.
Your one is great.