Dybowski Sika

The Dybowski’s sika deer (Cervus nippon hortulorum) is a subspecies of sika deer known for its adaptability and striking appearance. Native to northeastern China, Korea, and parts of Russia, this deer thrives in temperate forests, woodlands, and mountainous regions where it can find ample cover and vegetation. Its coat varies with the seasons, displaying a rich reddish-brown color with white spots in the summer, which provides excellent camouflage in dense foliage. In winter, the coat becomes darker and thicker, helping it withstand colder temperatures. Males, or stags, develop impressive, branched antlers that can grow up to 40 inches (100 cm) long, which they use for dominance battles during the rutting season. Dybowski’s sika deer are highly adaptable browsers, feeding on leaves, grasses, fruits, and even bark when food is scarce.