One of the representative wild animals of Hokkaido, the Ezo deer, is frequently spotted. They are larger than the Japanese deer found in Honshu, with males growing up to 190 cm in length and weighing up to 150 kg. To withstand Hokkaido's cold climate, their muscle mass is two to three times that of the Japanese deer, giving them a robust appearance. The population of Ezo deer has been increasing due to their high reproductive rate and recent environmental changes. They often live in rich, natural forests and mountains, and you have a high chance of encountering them when driving through Eastern Hokkaido. There are numerous "Watch Out for Deer" signs throughout Eastern Hokkaido, as they can unexpectedly jump onto the road, so caution is advised. It is especially recommended to be vigilant when driving from late afternoon to night, as they are more active at these times.
Additionally, Ezo deer have long been a valuable source of food in game cuisine. They are rich in protein and iron and have low fat content, making them a popular, healthy ingredient. Various restaurants across Eastern Hokkaido offer game dishes, and you can enjoy them alongside Ainu cuisine in the Akanko Onsen area, which has settlements of the indigenous Ainu people.

Rarity
★☆☆☆☆ (Frequently seen)

The Ezo red fox, a representative animal of Hokkaido, has gained fame through dramas and movies. While they inhabit all of Hokkaido, you're particularly likely to encounter wild Ezo red foxes in the nature-rich area of Eastern Hokkaido. In winter, their fluffy winter coats make them look adorable and heartwarming. However, despite their cuteness, it is absolutely forbidden to touch them. Ezo red foxes can carry a parasitic disease known as echinococcosis, and in Hokkaido, children are taught from elementary school to never touch them. Remember that they are still wild animals, so enjoy watching them from a safe distance. Additionally, natural spring water may contain echinococcosis, so it’s best to avoid drinking from springs that have not been tested for water quality.

Rarity
★☆☆☆☆ (Quite likely to encounter)

The Ezo squirrel, known for its adorable appearance, can be found throughout Hokkaido. With a body length of about 22 to 27 cm, they are relatively large, and their fluffy tails add to their popularity. While they are generally active throughout the day, the best chance to spot them is around sunrise. They inhabit not only vast natural settings but also urban parks. Since they dart swiftly between trees, focusing on tree trunks might make it easier to spot them. In winter, they grow even fluffier to protect themselves from the cold, doubling their cuteness.

Rarity
★☆☆☆☆ (Might be a bit challenging to spot due to their agility)

The red-crowned crane, designated as "The Bird of Hokkaido," is a large crane measuring around 140 cm in length. It is known for its beautiful pure white body and distinctive red crown. Although these cranes once lived throughout Hokkaido, habitat loss due to the island’s development and overhunting led to the belief that they had become extinct. However, they were later rediscovered, and through dedicated conservation efforts by local volunteers, their population has increased to over 1,500. This rare bird has been designated as a special natural monument.

Rarity
★★☆☆☆ (Select the right locations to increase your chance of seeing them!)

During winter, these magnificent raptors migrate from Siberia to Hokkaido to overwinter. With wingspans exceeding 2 meters, they are among the largest birds of prey seen in Japan. They are classified as endangered species, making them exceptionally rare. Primarily fish-eaters, these eagles can often be spotted near coastlines, rivers, and lakes. Numerous birdwatching tours are organized during winter to observe these eagles, and joining a tour is highly recommended.

Rarity
★★☆☆☆ (High chance of encounters on tours!)

Also known as the "snow fairy" of Hokkaido, the Shima-Enaga is a tiny bird, measuring about 10 to 14 cm, making it one of the smallest in Japan. They usually live in flocks of 5 to 10 and are adored for their cotton-like white bodies and round eyes, which make them particularly popular among children. Their diet consists mainly of tree sap, small berries, and insects. They are typically found in forests and woodlands. In Japan, they are native only to Hokkaido, and in the nature-rich area of Eastern Hokkaido, you might spot them on occasion.

Rarity
★★★★☆ (Difficult to spot due to their small size and agility)

Famous for their image of cracking shells with stones, sea otters have recently become a topic of interest as a few have settled around Cape Kiritappu in Hokkaido. Once hunted to near extinction, their global population dwindled to about 2,000, placing them on the endangered species list. Around 2016, about three sea otters began settling at Cape Kiritappu. By 2023, four mother-child pairs had been confirmed, indicating a baby boom. The adorable appearance of sea otters draws many visitors to the cape. They can also be spotted from Cape Nosappu at the tip of the Nemuro Peninsula.

Rarity
★★★★★ (Given their small numbers, you're really lucky if you happen to see one!!)