Sika

The Sika is a lively creature with off-white hair lines on the ears and throat with big black blotch on the lower ear areas, and white spots which can fade as the winter coat fills in, but the head is a lighter brown. Along the back from the upper neck to the tip of the tail is a black stripe, but the rump, in contrast, has longer hair, snowy white color.  The body is compact, with a wedge-shaped head and graceful legs.

Sika bucks have upright antlers which are very rough and deeply grooved after the velvet is shed but become smoother as the season progresses.  The length of the antlers is between 11" and 19" sometimes reaching lengths up to 29".

Native to Japan and areas around China and Taiwan. Its to ability to survive on little fare, and willingness to move to new areas in search of food, demonstrates why they have adapted to the Texas climate and vegetation so well.  With Live Oak and its acorns being a favorite food the Sika should continue to prosper in this region for a long time to come.