# Japanese Macaque (*Macaca fuscata*) Japanese Macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are playful and curious animals. They live in groups and love to soak in hot springs during the cold winter months. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Habitat:** Mountain regions - **Also known as:** Snow Monkey ![Japanese Macaque](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Macaca_fuscata_fuscata1.jpg&width=800) Photo: KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Macaca_fuscata_fuscata1.jpg) ## Appearance The Japanese Macaque has thick, reddish-brown to grayish fur, which provides excellent insulation against cold. It is easily recognized by its distinctive bright red face and rump, especially prominent in adults. Its strong, stocky build is well-suited for its often snowy, mountainous habitat. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Primates - **Family:** Cercopithecidae - **Genus:** Macaca ## Interesting facts - Japanese Macaques are the world's most northerly living non-human primates! - Some groups of macaques develop unique 'accents' or dialects in their calls! - These clever monkeys are known to make and play with snowballs for fun! - They recognize themselves in a mirror, showing advanced self-awareness! ## Special abilities - **Thermal Bathing:** Japanese Macaque can warm up in natural hot springs, which helps them survive freezing winter temperatures. - **Winter Coat:** Japanese Macaque has very thick fur that helps them stay warm and insulated even in deep snow and cold weather. - **Food Cleaner:** Japanese Macaque can wash their food in water, like potatoes, which helps them remove dirt and salt. - **Culture Spreader:** Japanese Macaque can learn new behaviors from each other, which then spreads through their group. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 47-60 cm - **Weight:** 8-14 kg - **Lifespan:** 20-30 years - **Speed:** 25 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-2 - **Gestation:** 170-180 days ## Diet & Feeding Omnivores that eat leaves, fruits, insects, and sometimes small animals depending on availability. - **Primary Foods:** Fruits, Leaves, Seeds, Insects, Tree Bark, Small Invertebrates - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Golden Eagle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/golden-eagle) (*Aquila chrysaetos*) — Young macaques can be preyed upon by this large raptor. - **Eaten by:** Asian Black Bear (*Ursus thibetanus*) — Cubs and sometimes adults can be prey for these forest bears. - **Eats:** [Sawtooth Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sawtooth-oak) (*Quercus acutissima*) — They frequently forage for the acorns and leaves of this tree. - **Eats:** Japanese Cherry (*Prunus serrulata*) — Macaques consume the fruits and leaves of this common tree. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Tool Use](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tool-use): This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Always watch from a distance and never try to feed wild monkeys. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Japanese Macaque? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Japanese Macaque? 47-60 cm ### How much does Japanese Macaque weigh? 8-14 kg ### How long does Japanese Macaque live? 20-30 years ### How fast can Japanese Macaque move? 25 km/h ### What does Japanese Macaque eat? Omnivores that eat leaves, fruits, insects, and sometimes small animals depending on availability. ### Where is Japanese Macaque usually found? Mountain regions ### How does Japanese Macaque hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Detroit Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/detroit-zoo) — Michigan, US · Zoo - [Milwaukee County Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/milwaukee-county-zoo) — Wisconsin, US · Zoo - [Zoo de Castellar](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/zoo-de-castellar) — Andalusia, ES · Zoo - [Great Plains Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/great-plains-zoo) — South Dakota, US · Zoo - [Lincoln Park Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lincoln-park-zoo) — Illinois, US · Zoo - [Central Park Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/central-park-zoo) — New York, US · Zoo [View all places to see Japanese Macaque](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/japanese-macaque) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Japanese Macaque: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/japanese-macaque)