Big Pine Key, FL - A South Florida man was arrested on charges of illegally interacting with endangered deer inside of his Big Pine Key home.
Authorities say 61-year-old Thomas Geatal Scancarelli was arrested on Tuesday and remains imprisoned in the Key West jail facility on a $32,000 bond.
The charges stem from Scancarelli's online activity, where he allegedly posted videos and photos of himself feeding and interacting with Key deer, both inside and outside his home.
The behavior prompted a concerned citizen to tip off the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in January.
Upon investigation, FWC officials discovered 16 instances of illegal interaction, including videos showing Scancarelli feeding the deer fruits and cheese, and claiming to train them for "tricks."
Scancarelli even made light of the situation, referring to the deer as a "furry [expletive] show" and mentioning his disregard for the law.
FWC emphasizes the dangers of feeding wildlife, as it disrupts their natural behavior.
Officials say losing their fear of humans makes deer more susceptible to car accidents.
Authorities say Scancarelli's actions go against conservation efforts and endangered the well-being of the already vulnerable Key deer population.