Assateague Sika

This may look like a fawn but it's actually a mature Sika Deer. Probably a year and a half old, the spots are there on all ages. The spike antlers in velvet indicate that it is still a young stag. Sikas were brought to the island in the 1920's, they are native to Japan and Asia. More closely related to the elk than whitetail deer, but unlike elk they don't bugle during the mating season, it's more of a roar. I've seen them at other occasions on the island, this is the first stag and best picture of either sex I've taken. He was hanging out along the Wildlife Loop near Snow Goose Pool.