Sika deer are excellent swimmers, readily taking to water to escape predators. Surprisingly, this woodland deer is more than capable of swimming up to 12km in the sea. During the mating season, or rut, males make a loud whistling call that can be heard from 1km away. With their browsing, grazing and a liking for some crops, sika deer can be considered a serious pest. Native to Asia, they were introduced to parks in the UK in 1860, but escapees have established themselves in our countryside. Sika deer are considered to be sacred in Japanese culture.

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