The National Key Deer Refuge is a protected area located in the Florida Keys, specifically on Big Pine Key and several surrounding islands. Established in 1957, the refuge aims to conserve the endangered Key deer, a small subspecies of white-tailed deer that is native to the region. The refuge encompasses over 8,500 acres of diverse habitats, including wetlands, hardwood forests, and coastal ecosystems. Visitors to the refuge can enjoy various recreational activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, and photography. The refuge also plays a crucial role in preserving the unique flora and fauna of the Florida Keys, making it an important site for conservation efforts and ecological research.