Snow Monkeys of Japan

The Japanese Macaque is also called the Snow Monkey because they live in areas where snow covers the ground for months each year – no other non-human primate is more northern-living, nor lives in a colder climate. They have brown-grey fur, red faces, and short tails. The Japanese called them saru. They are small and usually weigh about 20 lbs. Everyday during the winter they journey from the high snow country down to the hot thermals to bath and commune with each other. It is clear there is a pecking order and a respectful way to exist with each other. Should one monkey push the boundaries, the others will not hesitate to put him in his place.