Sika deer
Habitat
Adaptable to most landscapes, originally from Southeast Asia but now found in many European countries.
Age
Up to 15 years
Weight
Females: 35 kg
Males: 50 kg
Height
64-109 cm
Gestation Period
7 months
Number of Offspring
1 calf
Conservation Status
Not threatened
Did you know…
- Sika deer originated from Asia but were introduced to Denmark in the 1900s.
- Male sika deer continue to grow until they are 7-10 years old, while females only grow until they are 4-6 years old.
- Sika deer primarily feed on plants, especially grasses and herbs.
- A female sika deer is called a hind, and a male is called a stag.
- Sika deer are shy animals. They can be active during the day, but if there is too much disturbance (such as humans), they become nocturnal.
- Outside of the breeding season, stags form small groups known as “ruckles,” and hinds also form small groups.
- The calf nurses until it is 7-10 months old.
- Sika deer have no natural predators, but they are hunted, and around 400 deer are shot annually in Denmark.
- The population in Denmark is estimated to be around 600 deer, distributed in northeastern Jutland and southwestern Zealand.
Meet the sika deer at Skovridersletten.