Japanese sika deer in Nara Park, Nara Japan

The sika deer (Cervus nippon) also known as the spotted deer or the Japanese deer, is a species of deer native to much of East Asia, and introduced to various other parts of the world. Previously found from northern Vietnam in the south to the Russian Far East in the north, it is now uncommon in these areas, excluding Japan, where the species is overabundant.

Japanese sika deer (C. n. nippon): males weigh 40–70 kg and females weigh 30–40 kg. All sikas are compact and dainty-legged, with short, trim, wedge-shaped heads and a boisterous disposition. When alarmed, they often display a distinctive flared rump, much like the American elk.

Photo b5, 1987

Japanese sika deer in Nara Park, Nara Japan

Photo b1, 1987

Japanese sika deer in Nara Park, Nara Japan

Photo b2, 1987