Japanese Serow Mountain Goat

I met this animal in the mountains of the Japan Southern Alps and we gave each other quite a start before settling in for an extended staring contest. A nice viewer left a comment identifying this animal as a Japanese mountain goat or Nihon kamoshika as it is called in Japanese. I apologize for the low quality of the video which was shot just after dawn in a very dark forest and by a cameraman who just can't learn to hold his camera steady.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Japan
• deer
• mountains
• tokaido
• softypapa
• Serow

[KenElwood]

Hi softypapa,

Looks like a Japanese serow!!, You probably already know this but it is known in Japanese as the "Nihon kamoshika"... Like a goat-antelope mix. Anyhow, great find!! I've seen a few myself in Mie and Aichi prefectures. -Ken

[softypapa]

Hi Ken, Thanks for identifying this animal. I really didn't think it was a deer at the time that I saw it as I had never seen a deer with such a stocky body and long hair. I have updated the title of this video per the information you have provided. Thanks again! -Kurt

[popcornpiggie]

do you live in japan?

[DidaDragan]

Is this near the town of Karuizawa ?

I visited there a few years ago and was lucky to see two serow in the forest around Mount Asama. It was totally unexpected and something I will never forget.

[Luminasita]

Ah, great spot, Kurt!! No many pay close enough attention- and to get such a zoom on it! It seems like it's coat is longer than that of whitetails, I'll have to look that up. Thanks so much for posting!! ~Kat

[hlhover]

Wow!  That must have startled you when the deer took a leap! So tropical and beautiful there!!