SIKA DEER

The sika deer is more commonly referred to as the spotted deer. The reason for this name is because this deer does not lose its spots once it reaches maturity. The pelage of the sika deer ranges from black to mahogany. This deer is native to East Asia but has been introduced to areas around the world.

Sika display very different survival strategies and escape tactics from indigenous deer. They have a tendency to use concealment in circumstances when red deer, for example, would flee, and have been seen to squat and lie belly-flat when danger threatens.

Hunters estimate that the Sika’s wariness and “cleverness” makes it three or four times more difficult to bring to bag than a red or fallow deer.