Japanese Deer (Cervus nippon) シカ – しか
There are several sub-species of Cervus nippon in their native range from Vietnam to Russia. There are at least 6 listed for Japan. The Japanese Deer on Hokkaido are the largest. Here are some from Honshu. The Japanese deer were over hunted for a long time. They have been protected, and their numbers have increased. They are still hunted in some areas, but they are a bit of a problem now too.
Here are some deer on a morning walk next to Itsukushima Jinja. The deer are protected here and there are a lot of them in the tourist areas. Itsukushima 2013
Deer visiting a temple in Nara. If you want to see Japanese Deer, Nara is the place to go. They are a sacred animal here and they are protected and feeding them the deer senbei is encouraged. Nara 2016
A bewildered young buck in Nara. Looking for a handout. Notice that they do have horns and can kick and bite. I have seen them butt people in the back with their antlers in Nara. I have also seen a deer take food from a baby’s mouth in Nara. Some of the deer do have their antlers cut off. I think that this is for public safety. Nara 2016
A park in Nara. The deer with the antlers was later using them on the backside of a lady looking the other way. Nara 2016
Paying the bridge toll. Nara 2016
Ginko leaves in Nara Park. Nara 2016