Sika Deer

Cervus nippon yakushimae

The sika deer is a small elk that is native to Japan and other Asian countries. It was first introduced on James Island in Dorchester County, Maryland, in 1916.

The sika's coat varies in color from reddish brown in the summer to dark brown or black in the winter. Adults have a white rump and faint white spots on the back. Male sikas have narrow antlers and a dark, shaggy mane on the neck.

Sika deer grow to about 2.5 feet high and weight 50 to 100 pounds. Males are larger than females.

Where do sika deer live?

Sika deer can be found in marshes, swamps, woodlands and agricultural fields in Dorchester, Somerset and Wicomico counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore. They also live in marshes, sand dune areas and loblolly pine forests on Assateague Island.

What do sika deer eat?

Sika deer feed from dusk through dawn on plants, grasses, marsh vegetation and agricultural crops like corn and soybeans.

When do sika deer breed?

Sika deer breed in the fall, beginning in late September. The gestation period lasts about seven months. Females give birth to a single calf, usually in May.

Other facts about sika deer:

• Also called sika elk or Asian elk.
• Communicate with one another using vocalizations, such as a distinctive "bark" when alarmed.
• Even though it is an exotic species, sika deer do not directly compete with the native white-tailed deer for food and shelter, and therefore are not considered to be an invasive species .