Sika Deer

Cervus Nippon

Sika adult deer have a rack with a maximum of 8 points. Generally, the younger males antlers are a single 'spike.'

Originally native to Siberia, Japan and China, the Sika deer prefer a mix of Pine and leafy forests with bordering grasslands for grazing. Sika require a diet of grasses but can feed on twigs, leaves and young plants.

Sika bucks are very territorial and keep a harem during the rutting season. They mark their territory with a series of 'Scrapes' in which they urinate thereby emitting a strong musk odor.

When alarmed, Sika deer have a distinctive bark.