Crawfish Key facts for kids
 Crawfish Key
Location in Florida
Crawfish Key
Location in Caribbean
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Gulf of Mexico |
| Coordinates | 24°32′19″N 81°53′02″W / 24.538722°N 81.883778°W |
| Archipelago | Florida Keys |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Florida Straits |
| Administration | |
| State | Florida |
| County | Monroe |
Crawfish Key is a small island located in the beautiful Florida Keys. It's part of Monroe County, Florida, in the United States. This island is special because it's completely inside the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, which means it's a protected area for animals.
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Where is Crawfish Key?
Crawfish Key is found in the Gulf of Mexico. It's part of a group of islands called the Outlying Islands of the Florida Keys. More specifically, it's in the eastern part of the Mule Keys. This island is about 9 miles (15 kilometers) west of Key West, a well-known city in the Florida Keys.
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a long chain of tropical islands. They stretch about 120 miles (190 km) off the southern coast of Florida. These islands are famous for their clear blue waters, coral reefs, and amazing wildlife. Many people visit the Keys for fishing, snorkeling, and diving.
The Mule Keys
The Mule Keys are a small group of islands. They are located west of Key West. These islands are mostly uninhabited, meaning no people live on them. They are important natural areas, often serving as homes for birds and other wildlife.
A Home for Wildlife
Crawfish Key is a very important place for nature. It is part of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. A national wildlife refuge is a special area set aside by the government. Its main purpose is to protect wild animals and their natural homes.
What is a Wildlife Refuge?
Wildlife refuges are like safe havens for animals. They help make sure that different kinds of birds, fish, and other creatures have a place to live, find food, and raise their young without being disturbed. The Key West National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1908. It helps protect many species, especially birds.
Animals on Crawfish Key
Because Crawfish Key is part of a wildlife refuge, it's home to many different animals. You might find various types of seabirds nesting there. The surrounding waters are also full of marine life. This includes fish, crabs, and other creatures that live in the shallow, clear waters around the island. The island's natural environment, like its mangroves, provides shelter and food for these animals.
