In the summer, its coat is yellowish-brown with white spots. In the winter the coat turns grayish- brown and the spots are less noticeable. There is a white patch on the rump, bordered with black.
Males have antlers.
It inhabits Japan, Korea, and the Manchuria and Formosa regions. They are found in large forests punctuated by clearings, but are adaptable to man's agricultural regions. They feed on grasses, leaves, and bark, and are cud-chewers. After challenges between males, mating occurs around December. The female bears one calf in July or August.