Sika Deer and White-tailed Deer
While out riding around the Dorchester County Neck Districts, not only were we seeing a lot of Eastern Wild Turkeys I recently shared, but near them we’d also see deer. Never any large herds, just a few here and there.
Closer to the marshes, we found the Sika Deer.
Sika Deer (hind or cow – female)
Sika Deer (stag – male)
Further inland around the forest, we found the White-tailed Deer.
White-tailed Deer (fawn)
White-tailed Deer (buck -male)
White-tailed Deer (doe – female)
White-tailed Deer (male & female) running for the woods.
Cool Fact: Sika Deer are not actually deer. They are a member of the Elk family, sometimes also called Sika Elk or Asian Elk. They were first introduced in the Chesapeake Bay watershed on James Island in Dorchester County, Maryland, in 1916.
Photos by Donna 
Lovely deer photos Donna, we do not have these as native animals, and that look so cute, but as a introduced pest destroying our forests and sensitive habitats.
Thank you Ashley! I know, they destroy crops around here. 😦
They are beautiful animals. When I lived in NJ we used to see many deers coming from the woods to eat apples from one tree I had in my property. It gave apples by the hundreds. Great photos Donna! 🙂
That apple tree knew what it’s mission was in life, to feed the deer! Thank you HJ! 🙂
I have never seen a Sika deer or Elk. I love the big “flags” of the white tails.
Those pure white flag tails really are pretty, I just don’t know how they keep them so pure white! ha ha
Wow, those Sitka deer are sure handsome animals! I’ve never seen one.
The Sika deer surely don’t resemble your Elk!
Interesting that the Sika are called cow or hind and not a Doe, but then if they’re really not deer it makes some sense. They’re so cute! Nicely done!
Thank you Deborah! Doe sure does sound better than being called a cow when you aren’t a cow! 😉
Great photos of the deer! I didn’t know that Sika deer had been introduced in the US, I learn something new everyday.
Thank you Jerry! I try to learn something from the wildlife I photograph, glad to pass on to you and others! 🙂
Interesting. I’m quite familiar with the white tails, but never heard of Sikas! They do look a bit more like a dainty elk. Why on earth, I wonder, would anyone introduce them here? Guessing it’s some hunter’s brilliant idea. The deer are cute, but since most predators are eliminated, they get far too abundant and then become a major nuisance. It also seems as not as many folks are hunting them these days.
Deer are cute/pretty but, yes, they are a major nuisance. I know in Maryland and Delaware, hunting deer and sika is a real big deal. These states have changed regulations to allow hunting on designated Sundays now during deer season. The farmers were all for it and helped push the new law through. I do feel for the farmer.