sika deer herd crouching the grass nara park japan

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Sika deer: herd crouching on the grass in Nara Park, Nara, Japan

A number of sika deer, mostly males with antlers, are sitting together on the grass, facing different directions, in Nara Park, Nara, Japan. The sika or Japanese deer -Cervus nippon- is one of the few deer species that do not lose their spots upon reaching maturity.ÃÂ In Nara Park they were considered sacred in connection with the Shinto God Takemikazuchi and the Kasuga shrine, and are still protected as national treasures today. Visitors can purchase deer-crackers or shika senbei to feed them.