Florida Fish & Wildlife Dialog introduced the arrest of a Englewood, Florida man after he was seen on video allegedly feeding a Key deer final October.
James Lewis Rowe, 25, is going through costs associated to illegally feeding, harassing and making an attempt to seize and acquire Key deer.
FWC Investigator Chris Mattson obtained a tip by means of FWC’s Wildlife Alert Program of a person feeding and harassing Key deer and posting about it on-line. Mattson seen movies posted on the Web of a person engaging a Key deer with meals to enter a cottage on the Outdated Wood Bridge Fishing Camp positioned in Huge Pine Key.
Mattson recognized Rowe and contacted him by telephone. Rowe admitted he was the person within the video however denied figuring out it was unlawful to feed the deer — despite the fact that the fishing camp requires all company to signal waivers stating they won’t feed the deer as a result of. Indicators had been additionally posted all through Huge Pine Key stating it’s unlawful to feed the Key deer.
Key deer are a federally designated endangered species discovered solely within the Florida Keys; it’s unlawful to feed them. Feeding Key deer is dangerous as a result of it lessens the concern of people and causes the deer inhabitants to pay attention, facilitating the unfold of parasites and illness.
To study extra about Key deer, go to: MyFWC.com/wildlifehabitats. Click on on “Species Profiles” after which “Key Deer”.The general public can report suspected wildlife violations by contacting FWC by means of the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or visiting MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.